Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Where to Find the Best Golf Trips

 If your clubs go with you everywhere, why not couple your vacation time with a chance to tee off on some of the best golf courses in the world? Golfing vacations and golf trips have grown in popularity until they’re among the most popular types of combination vacation packages available through travel agents. If you’ve never considered taking a golf tour before, take a look at vacation packages on offer in one or more of these areas in the U.S. and the British Isles.

Myrtle Beach Golf Trips

Myrtle Beach boasts more golf courses in a small area than almost any other region in the country. Located on the southeastern coast of the U.S., Myrtle Beach golf courses include public greens, private golf courses and luxury resorts with attached golf courses. Depending on your tastes, you could book a week at a resort and spend every day on their championship course, choose a hotel as home base and travel to any one of a dozen courses within easy driving range, or travel up and down the coast, spending each night in a different hotel and each day on a different course. The choice is yours, and the golfing is superb.

Arizona Golf Vacations

Arizona has two main golfing areas—one in the Phoenix metro region and one around Tucson. The weather is indescribable.  Arizona boasts more sunny, golfing days than almost any other state in the union, and the scenery is unforgettable. You’ll find a range of luxury resorts in and around Phoenix, many of them catering to other interests along with golfing and quite a few of them offering family golfing packages so that the kids and spouse can join in the fun on their level. Tucson offers a less reverent take on the sport of kings. It abounds with quirky courses and unusual fairways that will give your jaded golfing tastes a bit of a jolt. Tucson is also the best place for a family golf vacation if the golfers in your family are on the younger side as it boasts some of the youngest golf champions in the world, and most courses are very welcoming to younger golfers.

Ireland Golf Vacations

Ireland is second only to Scotland in the number of venerable, traditional golf courses. A golf trip to Ireland gives you the opportunity to play on some of the oldest and most famous golf courses in the world. You can settle into one region of the Emerald Isle and play it in depth, or travel throughout Eire to play on a wide range of links from the classic to the ultra modern.

When you’re planning your vacation this year, do a bit of research on golf vacations and book a delightful week or two on the golf course as part of your getaway time.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Top Greens to Play on Your Golf Vacations to Ireland

While Scotland may hold the claim to fame of being the birthplace of golf, Ireland runs a close second. For most golfers, a trip to Ireland is akin to a holy pilgrimage. You could spend months traveling through the Emerald Isle and hitting some of the most famous links in history. If you’re booking golf trips to Ireland this summer, make sure that you manage to book tee times for at least one of these Ireland golf greens.

Kilkenny Golf Club

Founded in 1896, the Kilkenny Golf Club is a mature parkland course set in the middle of Ireland. It’s a challenging course with narrow, tree-lined fairways that require a delicate touch and a high degree of accuracy. Other nearby greens include Mount Juliet (11 miles), Carlow (24 miles), Mount Wolseley (34 miles), Tramore (38 miles) and Wexford (48 miles).

Donfagahy Golf Club

Donfagahy isn’t the most difficult green on the Emerald Isle, but it may be one of the most beautiful. Located on the northern coast, the 105-year-old course was laid out by 5 time British Open winner Harry Vardon. The scenery is breathtaking and the course offers enough challenge for all but the most expert golfers.

Portsalon Golf Club

In County Donegal, not far from Donfagahy, you’ll find one of Ireland’s best kept golfing secret—a true find that should be included on any Ireland golf vacation. Originally designed in 1891 and redesigned in 2001, the challenging 7,120 yard course offers some of the most stunning scenery of any golf course in the land of Eire. The gorgeous vistas include three views of Ballymastocker Bay, with many of the holes played through the dunes alongside the Atlantic Ocean.

Old Head Golf Links

At the other end of the Isle, and the other end of time, Old Head may be one of the most challenging links in the world. Set on a diamond-shaped peninsula that juts out into the ocean, you’ll be playing most of the course into the brisk Atlantic wind. Established in 1997, the Old Head Links at Kinsale present stunning vistas along ocean cliffs that make the trip worthwhile.

Mullingar Golf Club

No Ireland golf trip would be complete without playing the 18 holes at the Mullingar Golf Club. Designed in 1894 by Scottish golf legend James Braid, the mature parkland course is generally acknowledged to be one of Ireland’s best parkland courses.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Family-Friendly Golf Trips

Golf trips have always been popular among adults who enjoy golfing, but parents who want to bring kids along to high-profile golf vacation destinations have often found the choices rather slim. Many golf resorts frown on packing the kids along – it interferes with the serious golfer’s game. Luckily, not all golf destinations are that short-sighted – after all, kids who learn to love golf young become lifelong golfing aficionados. If you’re vacationing with your kids – or, for that matter, bringing your grandkids along – take a look at some of the family-friendly accommodations in some of the hottest golf destinations in the country.

Arizona Golf Family Destination

Scottsdale, Arizona is famous for its casual but highly competitive golf courses. With more than 174 public and private courses concentrated in the greater Scottsdale/Phoenix area, there are plenty of choices, and the 329 plus sunny days each year don’t hurt the golf dynamic. But the icing on the cake when it comes to family is that Scottsdale is well-known for its high number of junior golfers. When golf is that much a part of the fabric of everyday life, it’s only natural that the kids get to play, too.

Because Scottsdale is such a hot golfing destination—as well as a popular family vacation destination—many of the best hotels and lodges offer amenities that cater to both parts of the equation. Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak, for example, has its own golf staff dedicated to making life easier and more fun for golfers. If that means scheduling tee times around your kids’ naps, they can manage it. If it requires getting a babysitter for your younger ones, that can be arranged, too. If your kids want to tee up, there are places to book a tee time with them, and if they’re bored with golfing, they can chill out in the resorts water park, complete with rafts and slides, or go drop a few tokens into the pinball machines in the arcade.

Pointe Hilton isn’t alone in making golf trips friendlier to parents who want to take their kids along with them. Similar family-oriented packages exist for Myrtle Beach golf packages, as well as for international destinations. Imagine your kids’ “My Summer Vacation” after a Scotland golf vacation or an Ireland golfing trip.

No matter where you’re planning to spend your vacation, you’ll find family-friendly golf trips and packages designed to make sure that you and your family have the best time possible.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

The Top Golf Travel Destinations

For the golf enthusiast, nothing is quite as satisfying as hitting the links on some of the top-rated courses in the world. The world’s top golf travel destinations include greens located in diverse destinations from Ireland to Arizona, and the best destinations feature multiple courses where you can tee off.

It’s no surprise that Scotland golf vacations are popular – playing a round at St. Andrews Old Course is the Holy Grail for nearly anyone who’s ever picked up a club. A trip to Scotland offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to play the oldest course in the world, but the Old Course can only accommodate so many golfers. For those who don’t make the tee list at the Old Course, St. Andrews offers a number of other greens, including a second Open Championship course, the Carnoustie, within an hour’s drive of the Old Course.

Ireland is another popular golf destination, with former President Bill Clinton naming the Irish Ballybunion as his favorite golf course in the world. If you’re considering an Ireland golf vacation, be sure to make room in your schedule for a round at Lahinch Golf Club, with a well-deserved reputation for its quirky design. If you prefer a modern course and the luxury of a full-scale resort, you can’t go wrong with Killeen Castle, the country’s newest luxury resort golf club.

Of course, you don’t have to leave the country to enjoy fabulous golf on a stellar location. A Myrtle Beach golf vacation offers the opportunity to play on some of the best-known greens in the world. Located at the northern end of the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach has earned the nickname “supermarket of golf” for its enormous variety of courses. With over 100 golf courses – 10 of them named in Golf Digest’s top 100 courses – in a 70-mile stretch, Myrtle Beach is one of the top golf destinations in the world.

In the southwest, Scottsdale and Tucson, Arizona take top marks with international golfers. The Scottsdale/Phoenix area boasts more than 150 premier golf courses, including the Grayhawk Golf Club and SunRidge Canyon, along with luxury resorts and amenities to please the entire family.

Whether your golfing dreams take you to the oldest courses in the world or the most luxurious of modern greens, there are travel agents who specialize in planning golf travel packages for their clients. Take advantage of the expertise of a golf travel agent to ensure that your golfing vacation is everything you’ve always imagined.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Do you love Golf? Consider Golf Packages for Your Next Vacation

Are you wondering how to spend your next summer vacation? Maybe you are considering lounging by the beach in Fiji, or exploring the beautiful Great Barrier Reef in Australia?   All great ideas, but if you love golf, having you considered combining your love for the sport with a holiday and exploring the great value for money golf packages offered by many resorts and golfing associations in many countries throughout the world?
Scotland, Ireland, the World is a Tee!
Perhaps your family would like to visit the British Isles this summer. Did you know that there are wonderful golfing venues in Scotland, Ireland and throughout the United Kingdom that would please not only your family, but provide you with the golfing experience of a life time? 
 Imagine it! Scotland the birth place of golf and therefore one of the most popular golfing destinations, and home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.   With Scotland golf packages to suit every budget, from personalized tours to luxury tours, you can’t go wrong in sampling the delights of this beautiful country.  Whether you are travelling alone or travelling with family, your itinerary can please everyone. (And do watch out for the Loch Nest Monster while you are vacationing)
Leprechauns are thought to have pots of gold with them, and the Irish golf courses are considered by many to be a golfing treasure chest of some of the finest golf course gems in the world.  With such a fantastic recommendation, a trip to the Green Isle when on your summer golfing vacation makes great sense.
Golfing Packages Make Planning Simple
Golfing Packages are becomingly increasingly popular among golfing sports fans around the world. Accommodation, green fees and food costs are all included together with a planned itinerary. Online golfing associations who are experts in arranging all the details of a perfect package deal to almost any location in the world, are readily available to offer advice and assistance in planning the details of your trip.
Research and Choose Carefully
Before you book one of the hundreds of golf packages available, don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions and do lots of reading. Enjoy researching the fantastic options available and then go do it.   Book your vacation and enjoy an experience of a lifetime confident your every desire is catered for.  

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Golfing Packages in Arizona... An Enthusiasts Dream Destination

Ask any golfing enthusiast about their ideal holiday and they would probably tell you it would be to visit a golfing resort and take advantage of complete golfing packages on offer at most resorts.   They would probably suggest that among the best in the world are those in the state of Arizona
Why Arizona?
Arizona is one of the south western states of the USA.   Arguably best known as the home of the Grand Canyon, Arizona has been nicknamed   “The Grand Canyon State”.  Arizona is a desert state with a magnificent rocky desert landscape.  It is known for its hot summers and mild winters.    Combining golf vacations with such magnificent geographical features ensures an unforgettable golfing experience.
The Landscape Experience 
A decision to combine a holiday and a golf trip to Arizona won’t disappoint those who choose to visit the state.  Arizona has over 400 golf courses located throughout the country.   Whether the choice is made to visit a golf course in the alpine country or on a desert style fairway, there will be an option to satisfy every budget and preference.  
The Climate Experience
Arizona’s unique climate enables visitors to enjoy the golfing experience all year round.   Even in the coldest months between November and February the average temperature is a mild 60 degrees Fahrenheit.     During the hot summer months the temperature may exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit.     
Choosing a Package Holiday
Most people who head to Arizona for a golfing holiday experience take advantage of one of the golfing package holidays available throughout the State.   They provide cost effective accommodations and golfing options that cater to everyone.   There are a variety of fairways to choose from, some of which are listed on the PGA   internationals listings.   These may be more expensive than some of the lesser known courses, but all offer year round deals, which are very popular with visitors.  These deals may include extra free days and the opportunity to play free of charge at other resorts. 
The Complete Arizona Holiday Experience
Purchasing a comprehensive holiday package which combines a holiday and the opportunity to play Arizona golf at some of the most beautiful fairways in the world promises an unforgettable holiday experience.   Unique weather conditions and  some excellent deals offered by the golfing resorts all year round,  provides incentive for golfers to return to Arizona regularly.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Finding The Perfect Golf Packages

Are you passionate about golf or know someone who is? Golf is a great sport because it’s something you can do on your own or make into a sociable occasion.  It can be played in most weather and any day up until sundown. If you’re thinking about looking into golf packages, here are some things that you should think about when planning.
What Do You Need To Consider?
The most basic considerations are much the same as for any holiday; Where should I go? When is the best time of year? How long should I say? What will be the cost?  You may also need to think about the rest of your party. If it’s a pure golf addicts' trip then there’s no need to make allowances for non-players who will need to be entertained while the golfers are golfing.
One of your biggest decisions will be whether or not to organize your own trip—including booking the courses and arranging the green fees—or to take advantage of one of the many integrated golf packages that are now on offer through regular high street travel companies or through dedicated service providers. The advantage of the latter is that they are mostly online and include photographs and reviews of the courses and trips available.
Where Should You Stay?
Golf is played all over the world and virtually every country can now offer you a wonderful variety of golf courses to choose from. And if you’re looking for a wide variety of attractions beyond the golf course, one place you might consider is the British Isles.
Golf in Scotland offers the experience of courses in unrivalled settings - green glens, deep, grey lochs   wind-blown links on rugged coastlines and of course, the home of golf itself at St Andrews. Golf Scotland offers the sport to suit all budgets.  For instance, you can stay in humble but cozy and welcoming bed and breakfast houses or in the opulence of the Gleneagles Hotel and its world class course.
If the weather of the Highlands isn’t your thing, then consider the regimented and well groomed courses set in the gentler countryside of England and Wales where courses are differentiated more by their design than their location.
If links golf is your passion, then Ireland should be your destination as there are more links courses there per head than anywhere else in the world as well as plenty of excellent parkland courses. Golf Ireland offers superb value for money for excellent scenic and picturesque courses in a country famous for its welcoming its visitors with wide open arms.