Golf Vacation Insider Current Issue

Hawaii Golf Courses that Should Have Been Played on the Current Barack Obama Golf Vacation

I sure hope president-elect Barack Obama's future cabinet members advise him better than the person who recommended where he should tee it up on his current Oahu, Hawaii golf vacation. On December 21, Obama played at Olomana Golf Links (olomanagolflinks.com), followed by two rounds at the private Mid Pacific Country Club (mpcchi.org); one on Christmas Eve and one yesterday. If you haven't seen the photos, you can view them (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

See College Football Coaches Scramble at Reynolds Plantation

Happy holidays from Golf Vacation Insider! I'm visiting family down in Woodbridge, Va., this week, but I wanted to let you know about a made-for-TV event airing tomorrow (Christmas Day) combining two things that may be on your mind this time of year: golf and college football.It's called the Chick-fil-A Bowl Alma Mater at Reynolds Plantation, and it airs on CBS at 2:30 pm (ET). I missed it last year, but apparently an NCAA Division I college football head coach and a famous athlete alum from the same school play against other coach/alum teams in a scramble format. The field is comprised of 13 teams, seven of whose coaches have played, or are scheduled to play, in bowl games over the next week or so. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Top Value Courses to Play on Pebble Beach Golf Vacations Re-Open Tomorrow

Yesterday, we spread a little holiday cheer by sharing the secret of how you can play "the big three" Pebble Beach golf courses at up to 50 percent off their published green fees and, more importantly, without enduring the expensive hotels stays normally required to make advance tee times. Today, we're following up on that theme to let you know about two more great values that, tomorrow, will fully re-open for play for Pebble Beach golf vacations. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Pebble Beach Golf Courses Offering 50 Percent Discounts; No Hotel Stays Required

Even if youre someone who could justify or stomach the $495 green fee at Pebble Beach Golf Course, the two-night-minimum hotel stay (which can run $700 per night) required to make advance tee times is often too much to bear.Well, heres a way to get around both, but you wont find this unadvertised deal on the Pebble Beach Resorts website. Its an offer to play its Spyglass Hill and Links at Spanish Bay courses at 50 percent discounts, and its Pebble Beach Golf Course for 30 percent off all without required hotels stays.Here's how you can do it: (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

First Class Flights Secrets to Upgrade Your Golf Vacations

If you think commercial air travel has improved over the last year, there is no need to read the rest of today's post. However, if you find being packed into a coach middle seat in the back row of a 757 in full olfactory contact with the lavatory to be less than pleasant, then today's tip is for you. I am one of those people commonly referred to as a road warrior. I know most airports like the back of my hand and I am quite adept at figuring out the best (and often cheapest) way to fly from point A to point B, ideally with a free upgrade to the first class flights. One of my tried and true secrets is following the advice of First Class Flyer, a newsletter published by Matthew Bennett, a/k/a Mr. Upgrade. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

The Best Golf Gift for Creating Ultimate Golf Vacations

Want to start the weekend off with one less gift purchase to worry about? Read on.If you've been getting our handy tips and unbiased advice about golf travel, golf vacations, and golf packages, you're probably aware that we also publish a monthly, printed newsletter called Golf Odyssey: The Insider's Guide to Sophisticated Golf Travel. In fact, some of you may already subscribe to Golf Odyssey or have received sample issues in the mail as part of a free trial. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

New Golf Course Opens Monday for Dominican Republic Golf Vacations

Upon visiting the Punta Cana area on a Dominican Republic golf vacation last winter, we came back predicting that it, "is poised to become the golf mecca of the Caribbean," mainly on the strength of its beaches, fine hotels, and existing and future golf courses led by Jack Nicklaus' Punta Espada.Perhaps it was validation that, months later, Golfweek magazine came out with its list of "Best Caribbean Courses," and Punta Espada was ranked No. 1. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Platinum Places: The World's Best Golf Vacation Destinations for 2008-2009

If you're contemplating or actively planning golf vacations, you are about to read one of the most useful tips we'll publish all year.That's because it explains how you can get a copy of Golf Odyssey's recently released list of Platinum Places: The World's Best Golf Destinations 2008-2009. Published each December, some Golf Odyssey readers subscribe to our flagship publication for this issue alone. Why is it so coveted and useful for planning golf vacations? Well, in devising their list of 72 "Platinum Places," the editors of Golf Odyssey divided it into 18 sub-categories so it's more relevant to those with specific golf vacation interests and preferences, i.e. families, escapists, golf-aholics, food-lovers, gamblers, and value-seekers. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

A Great Golf Gift for Less Than $20

This week I received an email from world-renowned golf photographer Larry Lambrecht announcing that his 2009 calendar, "Emerald Gems, The Links of Ireland," is now available for only $13.95 plus $4.00 shipping. I know many of you are looking for inexpensive, but still classy, golf gifts and this struck me as quite a good one. You may not know it, but in the past you have probably admired Larry's work, which can regularly be found in all sorts of golf books and magazines. In fact, Larry is one of our own go-to sources when we are seeking photography for our premium Golf Odyssey newsletter. And odds are, some of Larry's photographs are hanging in the halls of your home course or golf club. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Deal or No Deal?: Las Vegas Golf Courses at 30, 50, and 70 Percent Discounts

Do the stock market's wild swings of late have you wondering if gambling in Las Vegas is a more effective investment vehicle? Well, now might be good time to find out. Not only are Las Vegas airfare prices down by as much as 10-20 percent in some cases (thanks to the drop in fuel costs), but certain Las Vegas golf courses are wheeling and dealing, too. Just be careful not to get sucked in by the hype. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Municipal Palm Beach Golf Course Bests Resort Options on Florida Golf Vacations

In a recent tip about the newly renovated PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, we praised the marquee Champion Course but advised that there are better, off-resort options compared to the four other Palm Beach golf courses there. We mentioned that there is, "an intriguing, stunningly remade muni just five miles away," and that muni is North Palm Beach Country Club (village-npb.org). If you can put up with the sometimes heavy municipal crowds on your Florida golf vacation, we highly recommend it over the bland, "other" courses at PGA National Resort & Spa. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Top Value Course Reopens for Arizona Golf Vacations

While we'll all have a lot to be thankful for on November 27th, those on, or planning, Arizona golf vacations will have a little extra about which to be grateful. That's when tee times will again be taken for Papago Golf Course, which, in the past, was one of the best bangs-for-the-buck for Arizona golf vacations. Orginally designed by William F. Bell (of Torrey Pines Golf Course fame, among others) in 1963, the city of Phoenix-owned Papago has been closed since April to undergo massive renovations. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Finding the Best Golf Ball for Your Golf Vacations and Local Play

Have you ever wondered how to determine what is truly the best golf ball to buy for your next golf vacation or regular rounds at your home course?I don't know about you, but I have always found golf ball reviews and golf ball ratings to be utterly confusing when trying to select the best golf ball for my game. Not only are there a dozen or so manufacturers, but each one has many different varieties. Titleist alone offers at least six different models. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Discount Golf Vacations: Pinehurst Golf Resort Brings Back "The 252" Package

In a recent tip, we gave some specific examples of how the weak economy is making it easier to access top golf resorts and how discount golf vacations are becoming more plentiful. We also said we'd notify you of the best golf vacation packages we came across. Well, consider yourself notified. Pinehurst Golf Resort had decided to bring back "the 252," a one-night, bed-and-breakfast package that includes a round on the famous No. 2 course, starting at $252 per golfer, based on double occupancy at the Manor or Holly inns. Add in 10 percent tax and the 9.75 percent service charge, and the per person total comes to about $300. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Discount Golf Vacations Now Possible with Hilton Honors Rewards

Well, that didn't take long. About a month after we told you that it's possible to take discount golf vacations using Marriott Rewards points, Hilton Hotels & Resorts announced that members of its rewards program, HHonors, would be able redeem points for golf, too. You may recall that, based on our calculations, points in Marriott's program seem to go farther when used for vacation rewards other than golf; such as for hotel stays. So, is Hilton's program any better for taking discount golf vacations? Let's take a look. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

How to Get First Class Flights for the Price of Coach

How would you like to save up to 65 percent on first class flights to Hawaii (and other destinations)? As I learned in last month's issue of the First Class Flyer newsletter, it is shockingly easy. All you need to do is book your trip through your airline's vacation division (most major carries have them). Sound too good to be true? It's not. I called NWA WorldVacations (the vacation division of Northwest Airlines) to check on a flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu. While Northwest's website was quoting first class flights at $2,348, they were available through the vacation division for $831 round-trip (65 percent less, and even less than the economy fare depending on the day). (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

PGA National Resort: Do Renovations Warrant a Florida Golf Vacation?

Fresh off a $65 million makeover, the five-course PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., has garnered a lot of favorable press in the mainstream media lately, but is it truly deserving of this praise and should you consider it for your next Florida golf vacation? Golf Odyssey recently conducted one of its trademark, anonymous inspections at PGA National Resort & Spa to get the real story. Here's what we found out. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

See Amazing Images of Two "Must Play" New Zealand Golf Courses

The Tiger-less PGA Tour may have packed up its tent for the 2008 season, but there is a new televised golf tournament coming up that you don't want to miss.It's called the Kiwi Challenge (thekiwichallenge.com), and it pits four of the world's best under-30 golfers Ryder Cuppers Anthony Kim and Hunter Mahan, Masters standout Brandt Snedeker, and Adam Scott against each other in a two-day, stroke-play tournament across two of the best New Zealand golf courses: Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Ross Layout Gets Our Vote between the Balsams' Two New Hampshire Golf Courses

When the clock chimes midnight signaling the arrival of the presidential election next Tuesday, Dixville Notch, New Hampshire residents, most of whom are employees of the venerable Balsams Resort, will gather at the historic grande dame to cast their ballots and become the first counted precinct in the entire United States of America. We are interested in the Balsams Resort not as much for this American civic lesson as for its New Hampshire golf courses and rich history as a special New England golf retreat. There's been a resort hotel at this remote spot in the Great North Woods (Canada is just 13 miles away as the crow flies) since the 1860s, and golf has been played here since 1897. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Weak Economy Making Top Golf Resorts Accessible, Discount Golf Vacations Plentiful

It's hard to find many silver linings in the economy these days, but if you are a glass-half-full kind of person, now might be one of the best times to take a golf vacation, especially if you've had your eye on a top golf venue that's usually booked solid. Here is my experience from two weekends ago. Following the old motto, "when the going gets tough, the tough go play golf," I spent the Columbus Day weekend in Pinehurst, North Carolina. I wasn't planning on visiting the venerable Pinehurst Golf Resort, mind you, but my friends were interested in playing Pinehurst No. 2, so we thought we'd give it a shot. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Professor "Warns" that St. Andrews Golf Course Could Be Destroyed

Have you seen the email going around claiming that the Old Course at St. Andrews is in danger of "crumbling into the sea?" Well, don't call off your Scotland golf vacation plans just yet.The rumors are based on a recent speech made by the head of a St. Andrews environmental group. Specifically, the part about how the most famous St. Andrews golf course and "the Home of Golf" could be completely destroyed by 2050 if the effects of climate change continue or intensify. From the UK's Daily Telegraph, about University of St. Andrews' Jan Bebbington, professor of accounting and director of the St. Andrews Sustainability Institute: (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Deal or No Deal? 2-for-1 Green Fee Golf Packages at Top Punta Cana Golf Course

If you've been reading our golf vacation advisories for awhile, you may recall us tipping you off about the Dominican Republic's Punta Cana region and how it is poised to become the next great Caribbean golf vacation destination. Well, we recently came across a golf vacation package offering two-for-one green fees at Punta Espada, a Jack Nicklaus Signature design that can currently lay claim to being the best Punta Cana golf course (there are several more under contract and construction). (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

How to Play Cypress Point Golf Club During a Pebble Beach Golf Vacation

Q: We are two Aussie golfers traveling to the Monterey Peninsula for a few days. Do you have any thoughts on how we can play Cypress Point Golf Club?A: We know a lot of the secrets to getting on some of the best private golf courses in the world, but playing Cypress Point Golf Club is an extremely tough nut to crack. The club has a small membership (200-250) and even if you know a member, there is a relatively little amount of unaccompanied guest play allowed. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Bethpage Black Golf Course: How to Get There and Where to Stay

Wow, judging by the number of comments it received, many of you were quite interested in our tip on "How to Get on Bethpage Black Golf Course, site of the 2009 US Open."While this definitive guide clarifies and provides insider advice on how to play Long Island, New York's Bethpage Black Golf Course as a walk-on or by using the tee time reservation system, the two questions many of you still want to know are: (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Make Erin Hills Golf Course Part of Your American Club Kohler Golf Vacation

Can you think of a newly constructed, public-access US golf course that has generated more buzz and endeared itself to the USGA prior to opening than Erin Hills Golf Course in Wisconsin? Chambers Bay Golf Course in Washington is certainly a contender, but it was awarded the 2010 U.S. Amateur and 2015 U.S. Open seven months after opening. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

A (New) and Improved Troon North for Your Scottsdale Golf Vacations

Troon North Golf Club, one of the 36-hole facilities that has become a staple of Scottsdale golf vacations, has been touting its "two new golf courses" lately. Intrigued as to why the golf club would monkey with its acclaimed Monument Course, a Jay Moorish/Tom Weiskopf creation, and its Pinnacle Course (1996), a solo Weiskopf effort, we made one of our usual anonymous site inspections to find out. Specifically, the Troon North Golf Club website declares that Tom Weiskopf recently returned to create, "two new layouts" and a "completely new playing experience." The truth is, while Weiskopf modified some bunkers, re-worked a few holes, and added a superior strain of bentgrass to the putting surfaces, his main change was transferring nines between the courses to create more cohesive routings. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Deal or No Deal? "Ultimate" Buddies Golf Packages at Pinehurst Golf Resort

Any time I hear of a resort offering "unlimited golf" packages, my ears perk up. When it's the Pinehurst Golf Resort, they stand at full attention.Such was the case when I came across Pinehurst's Golf Resort's three-day "Buddy Trip of a Lifetime," where, for $2,300 per person (based on groups of four or more), you can play as much golf as your body will allow on seven of the resort's golf courses, and one round on its famous, No. 2 course, which has hosted the US Open in 1999 and 2005. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Newspapers a Great Resource for Discount Golf Vacations

We receive phone calls and emails almost daily asking about discount golf vacations and where to find the best golf deals. Well, one of the best sources of such information can be found in a familiar but largely forgotten place: the newspaper. That's right. The Web may be killing the circulation of newspapers all over the world, but for finding deals that make discount golf vacations possible, and coupons that only require tactful tearing as opposed to an Internet connection and a printer, newspapers more than hold their own. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Southeastern Alternatives to Myrtle Beach Golf Vacations

Q: I've been taking Myrtle Beach golf vacations with my buddies for a long time. Is there another location in the Southeast we should consider that is equally easy to reach, offers multiple golf courses, dependable weather, and is not overly expensive? A: The first alternative to a Myrtle Beach golf vacation that you might consider is a Hilton Head golf vacation. Hilton Head, just a little farther down the South Carolina coast, has a similarly high density of golf courses as Myrtle Beach (it doesn't call itself "The Golf Island" for nothing), but the overall look and feel is more upscale. Not snooty, just a bit nicer and definitely still "fun" enough for a buddies trip. Prices are slightly higher than what you'll find on Myrtle Beach golf vacations, but they're not insane. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Discount Golf Vacations Now Possible with Marriott Rewards

The Marriott Rewards hotel loyalty program recently made it possible to earn points by playing golf and to redeem points for free rounds of golf at its properties, but is it a truly a smart way to take discount golf vacations? Let's take a closer look. The earning points part seems fine. Members of the new Marriott Golf Links program, (who must first be members of the main Marriott Rewards program) earn 10 points for every dollar they spend on golf and golf retail purchases at "participating" Marriott golf clubs and courses worldwide. So far, only about 35 of the company's 60 or so golf properties are participating (including Doral in Miami, Starr Pass in Tucson, Camelback in Scottsdale, Kauai Lagoons in Hawaii, and White Witch in Jamaica) but more are planned for 2009. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Beware of "Americanized" Golf Resorts on Your UK and Ireland Golf Vacations

The tip you are about to read dispels one of the commonly held misconceptions about UK and Ireland golf vacations. You see, in addition to the historic qualities and purity of UK and Ireland golf courses, we Americans are often lured across the pond by the romantic notion that overcrowded courses and slow play are never an issue over there. While that's true, for the most part, at the UK and Ireland's "private" golf courses (where you get a member-for-a-day experience, much like our "semi-private" clubs), we often find that the experience at UK and Ireland golf resorts is often disappointingly similar to that of certain, popular public courses here in the States. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

One-Day Access to Private Golf Courses Across the Country

Our last tip about getting on private golf courses explained the concept of joining a private club network, whereby you pay a small membership fee to gain access to what can be hundreds of private golf courses.Today, we're going to tell you how you can play dozens of private golf courses without joining anything. Actually, we're going to re-tell you, as this tip was first published around this time last year. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

St. Andrews Golf Courses Not the Only Game in Town on Scotland Golf Vacations

With the recent opening of the formidable Castle Course, taking a Scotland golf vacation to play St. Andrews golf courses might be in your sights now more than ever. If so, don't feel like you have to stick to the collection of courses that compose the St. Andrews Links Trust (The Old Course, Castle Course, The New Course, Jubilee Course, Eden Course, Balgove Course, and Strathtyrum).Particularly if you're interested in sea-side golf, there are three other worthy courses that are, like the Castle Course, routed over former pastures and croplands along the same stretch of coast on St. Andrews Bay. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Florida Golf Vacation at TPC Sawgrass with Jim Furyk Up for Grabs

We don't often alert readers to contests and sweepstakes, but when the prize is a Florida golf vacation to play TPC Sawgrass with one of the best players on the PGA Tour, we feel it's worth passing along.One Key is the Mansfield, Mass.-based vacation club running the contest, the grand prize winner of which will be flown (with a companion) to Jacksonville, Fla, put up for two nights in a hotel, and treated to a round of golf with Jim Furyk on TPC Sawgrass, site of the world's most famous island green and the Tour's annual Players Championship. The approximate retail value of the trip is six thousand dollars. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Golf Course Reviews Not Always Reliable for Planning Golf Vacations

What you are about to read underscores why it's so important to "consider the source" when researching your golf vacations. On a recent trip to play several Maine golf courses, we were met with a few unpleasant surprises at the venerable Sugarloaf Resort and its Sugarloaf Golf Course, which some mainstream golf publications have placed on their top-100 lists. For one thing, we discovered that it's really only the back nine holes not the entire 18 that make this Maine golf course memorable. More disturbing, however, was that its greens were in horrible condition, particularly on the front side. This, despite the fact that the "Course Report" on the Sugarloaf Golf Course website proudly proclaimed that, "the fairways are in the best shape of the year." It made no mention whatsoever of the damage to the greens caused by the harsh winter. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

A New Lodging Option for Your Bandon Dunes Golf Vacation

If the greatest challenge about taking a Bandon Dunes golf vacation is getting to this remote, Oregon outpost, the second greatest has to be securing a room there, particularly during the May-through-October high season. Happily, we have good news to report on that front. On August 1, The Inn at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort opened, adding 39 more rooms to what was an inventory of just 225 at this soon-to-be four-course property. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Another Way to Access Private Golf Courses at Home or on Golf Vacations

Our regular readers know that we often provide insider tips on how to access private golf courses while taking golf vacations. Today, we'd like to let you in on another great one.It's called TOUR GCX, and if you're someone who enjoys the private golf club experience at home or during your golf vacations but you're not quite ready to join a country club it may be a perfect solution for you. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

The Best Vermont Golf Courses to Play in and Around Burlington

Q: What are some of the better Vermont golf courses to play in the Burlington area?A:If youre looking for big-name Vermont golf courses near Burlington, the first place to consider is Vermont National Country Club (vnccgolf.com), just five miles south of the center of town. This Jack Nicklaus/Jack Nicklaus II design combines a Scottish links-style front nine with a mountainous back nine that winds through rock outcroppings. Its a private course, yes, but you can gain access to it by staying at any one of a number of local area hotels such as the Inn at Essex, the Sheraton Burlington, the Hawthorne Suites, Courtyard Marriott Burlington, or the Smugglers Notch Resort. Hotel guests pay $120 for green fee and cart. If youre a member of a club back home, Vermont National allows reciprocal play for $105. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

TSA-Approved Laptop Bags Make "Wired" Golf Vacations Easier

If your laptop computer is standard equipment on golf vacations, a new rule by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) may make it faster and easier to get through those frustratingly slow airport security lines.The TSA recently announced that, as of August 16, 2008, it will allow laptop computers to be X-rayed while still in their cases, provided the bags meet the TSA's newly formed requirements and that they are packed so that nothing obstructs the X-ray machines ability to capture a, clear and distinct image of the laptop separate from the rest of the bag. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Best Budget Lodging for an American Club Kohler Golf Vacation Gets Even Better

Taking an American Club Kohler golf vacation to play Whistling Straits golf course and its other fine layouts is not an inexpensive proposition. However, there are less expensive options besides staying at the classy American Club Hotel and the little-known private mansion and sporting club called Riverbend, which we recently told you about. Two years ago, we shared with you fact that the Inn on Woodlake was, "The Best Budget Hotel Option on Your American Club Kohler Golf Vacation." In light of its recently completed major renovation, we now view the Inn on Woodlake as an even more compelling, lower-priced lodging alternative, particularly for visitors more focused on golf than accommodations. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

How to Avoid Fees When Traveling with Golf Travel Cases Overseas

In our last tip, we told you about a helpful website that lists nearly every airline's policies and fees with respect to transporting golf travel cases. Today, we're going to tell you how to avoid the extra fees that many people pay unnecessarily when taking golf travel cases overseas. The problem can arise because different countries have different weight limits for what they'll accept as "free" checked luggage. U.S.-based airlines, for example, usually allow heavier bags than say, European airlines, before the "excess weight" fees kick in. It's usually not an issue if, for example, you're flying from the USA to a single overseas golf vacation destination. But if you then need to take flights while you're there, it's common to be charged hefty, additional fees if your golf travel cases are heavier than the local limit. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Still Not Sold on Golf Club Shipping? This Website's for You

In our previous tip about golf bag shipping , we explained the various options and costs involved in shipping golf clubs instead of traveling with them. Despite the convenience and relative low cost of golf club shipping (especially if you plan ahead), we know some of you simply prefer the idea that your golf clubs are traveling on same airplane, at the same time, that you are. Well, for those that aren't yet sold on golf club shipping, there's a website that will prove extremely useful. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Visiting Downtown Austin a Must on a Barton Creek Golf Vacation

The Barton Creek Resort in Austin, Texas might not be on your short list of "golf vacations to take", but perhaps it should be. It has four worthy golf courses, golf-friendly and dependable weather, and it's nearby; Texas (by air) is about four hours or less from just about everywhere else in the United States. Another major draw is its proximity to downtown Austin.Many folks from the metro area go to the four-course Barton Creek Resort to escape the city, but thats not the mindset you should have on your Barton Creek golf vacation. Texas capital city of Austin, just 20 minutes east of Barton Creek Resort, is a veritable cornucopia of culture for out-of-state travelers. For one thing, Austin shatters Texas conservative stereotypes, bringing a diverse mix of people together with festivals that celebrate art, music, moviesand even everyones favorite meat-like product, Spam. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

The "Other" Course to Play on a Mesquite Golf Vacation

Most people who are even vaguely familiar with the Mesquite, Nevada golf scene have heard of the beautiful Wolf Creek Golf Course, which offers target golf at its most extreme.But while Wolf Creek Golf Course remains the must-play course in the Mesquite area, its not the only game in this dusty town about an hour northeast of Las Vegas. Next time youre in the area, we recommend setting your sights on the Palmer Course at the Oasis Golf Club. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Mesquite Golf Vacations: Great Golf, But Lower-Level Lodging

Many people ask us if we think its worth making the 80-mile drive from Las Vegas to play Mesquite golf courses. The answer is a resounding, yes. Several Mesquite golf courses are dramatic and unbelievably scenic. They offer unique layouts, challenging rounds, and should leave you plenty pleased with the value proposition they offer, especially when compared to many of the options on a Las Vegas golf vacation.Unfortunately, we cant say the same about the lodging options available for Mesquite golf vacations. On our last visit, we stayed in several Mesquite hotels, and we were disappointed by what we found. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

The Insiders Guide to Taking a Dominican Republic Golf Vacation

Today, instead of one specific golf vacation tip, I want to let you know where you can find literally hundreds of them, on virtually any destination and golf vacation type youre interested in.You may already know this, but one of the benefits of being a Golf Vacation Insider subscriber is that you get instant access to our entire library of free golf vacation guides. These are generally five to eight-page intelligence reports containing our expert, unbiased recommendations on the best places to play, stay, and dineall based on our trademark, undercover site inspections.We have published about 75 of these golf vacation guides so far, and you can browse them by geographic location (Las Vegas golf vacations, San Antonio golf vacations, etc.) or by golf course/resort name (Pebble Beach Golf Course, Whistling Straits Golf Course, etc). (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

The Most Charming and Best-Weather Spot for Vancouver, BC Golf Vacations

When the subject of British Columbia golf vacations arises, many people immediately think of Whistler, but insiders know that the city of Victoria is one of the prettiest and most charming spots in all of British Columbia, and it's our top pick for Vancouver, BC golf vacations. Victoria is located on Vancouver Island, the largest in North America. Not to be confused with Vancouver, which is on the British Columbia mainland, Vancouver Island is across the Strait of Georgia from that city and the Strait of Juan de Fuca from Seattle. Thanks to some recent additions, Victoria has also become an excellent spot for Vancouver, BC golf vacations. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

How to Experience the Ultimate American Club Kohler Golf Vacation

After taking American Club Kohler golf vacations nearly every other year since 1995, we've had the opportunity to inspect virtually every inch of this popular Wisconsin golf resort. And while we've known about the existence of Riverbend, the resort's marvelous, private club, since it opened in 2001, even we were surprised to learn that anyone can experience it...at least once. Located about one mile from the American Club Kohler, Riverbend is a historic mansion house that serves as the centerpiece of a private, outdoor and sports retreat. Each of the 31 guest chambers is unique and beautifully appointed with comfortable beds, fireplaces, stocked refrigerators, LCD televisions, and of course, gorgeous bathrooms with oversized whirlpool tubs and showers. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Chambers Bay Golf Course: Where to Stay When Playing the U.S. Open-Worthy Course on a Washington Golf Vacation

It's rare that we recommend taking a golf vacation to a given state for the sole purpose of playing one of its golf courses, but Chambers Bay Golf Course in Washington is good enough to justify such a trip. Located 20 minutes from Tacoma and about an hour from Seattle, Chambers Bay Golf Course is the one you've undoubtedly been hearing about since it opened last June. You know that linksy municipal golf course that, after only seven months in existence, landed the 2015 U.S. Open (and the 2010 U.S. Amateur) and will bring America's championship to the Northwest for the first time ever? Yep, that's the one. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

"Royal" Golf Clubs Can Make for Majestic Golf Vacations

Did you happen to hear the British Open announcers say that Royal Birkdale Golf Club's championship course was completed in 1922 but it didn't become "royal" until 1951? Were you left wondering what that means and how certain layouts go from being mere golf courses to "royal golf clubs?"The answer is that while anyone can slap the word "royal" on their golf course (i.e. Royal Links Golf Club in Las Vegas and Royal New Kent Golf Club in Williamsburg, Va.), true "royal" golf clubs, such as Northern Ireland's Royal County Down Golf Club and Scotland's Royal Troon Golf Club, are designated as such by the British Royal Family; specifically, the Queen, and previously, the King. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Golf Courses in England Can Offer British Open-Quality Golf Vacations

We Americans tend to gravitate to Scotland and Ireland when we cross the pond for golf vacations, but there are some equally great golf courses in England that deserve consideration. One of them is this year's British Open Championship site, Royal Birkdale Golf Club, which is not only the best golf course in England, but one of the top-five links in the entire UK and Ireland. When the Open Championship begins today, you'll be able to see it in all its glory.A superlative course by any standard, Royal Birkdale's towering, tumbling sandhills frame virtually every hole. Its greens are either notched into the dunes or sit boldly on plateaus exposed to the wind, making only the most precisely struck iron shots capable of holding their lines and finding the putting surfaces. A quirky course this is not, which is why Birkdale is a strong favorite with professionals. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

"Must Play" Panama City Golf Courses on a Florida Golf Vacation

I'm taking a short Panama City, Florida golf vacation and I only have time to play one round of golf. Is there a "must play" layout among Panama City golf courses near the airport that I should try?The true "must play" layout among Panama City golf courses is Camp Creek Golf Club, which lies about 40 minutes away from the Panama City-Bay County International Airport, which has one of the longest airport names we've ever seen. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Secrets to Playing and Staying at Westin Turnberry Resort on a Scotland Golf Vacation

The 2008 British Open at Royal Birkdale is nearly upon us, and even though it will be Tiger-less, we are getting excited for what is considered the most important golf tournament in the world. Today, however, we'd like to call your attention to next year's Open Championship site, the Ailsa course at the Westin Turnberry Resort, in case you're thinking about playing it on a Scotland golf vacation. If you've been reading our golf vacation tips for awhile, you know we highly recommend playing the Ailsa Course on a Scotland golf vacation. It is scenic, offers hole after hole of fantastic golf, and brings with it a sense of history. Indeed, 2009 marks the fourth time Ailsa will host the Open Championship. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Park City, Utah Golf Courses Not Just For the Rich and Famous

On the advice of his doctors, Tiger Woods skipped hosting duties at his PGA Tour event this past weekend following his knee surgery in Park City, Utah. It was there that one of our editors bumped into, er, crossed paths with the Woods family, as both parties were staying at the swanky Stein Eriksen Lodge. Our correspondent was there to anonymously inspect and evaluate Park City, Utah golf courses and accommodations. For those who don't know, Park City is a renowned alpine resort mecca that each January serves as the hub of the Sundance Film Festival. Its historic Main Street is lined with trendy galleries, shops, boutiques, and restaurants where $40 entrees are commonplace. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Where to Stay on Your Williamsburg, Virginia Golf Vacation

Given that America is celebrating Independence Day tomorrow, we thought we'd dedicate today's insider advice about taking a Williamsburg, Virginia golf vacation.First off, Williamsburg's merit as a living history museum is unquestioned. But those who might like to ride in a golf cart in addition to the horse-drawn variety may wonder what the area has to offer. The answer is plenty, both in the heart of Williamsburg and the surrounding area. The bigger question concerns where to stay. With two major resorts &mdash the Colonial Village's Williamsburg Inn and Williamsburg Lodge, and the Kingsmill Resort &mdash how do you know which resort is right for you?We recently returned from a Williamsburg, Virginia golf vacation and here's our take on it: (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Record Downpours Flood Wisconsin Golf Courses and other Midwest Layouts

I hope you werent taking a golf vacation in the Midwest over the last two weeks. I recently spent four days in and around Milwaukee, Wisc., and I witnessed first hand the damage left by the record storms that ripped through the area.While all golf courses were affected to some degree, those located in low lying areas or routed along the states many rivers were hardest hit. For example, during my midweek visit, The American Club Kohlers two golf courses at Blackwolf Run (the River Course and the Meadows Valley course) were outright closed (nine holes on each have since reopened as of early this week), as was Milwaukee Country Club. Kohlers golf courses at Whistling Straits (the Straits Course and The Irish Course) were open. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Torrey Pines Golf Course - North; One of the San Diego Golf Courses Most Loved by Locals

After watching that gripping U.S. Open finale, I suspect many of you are planning, or at least longing for, a San Diego golf vacation and the opportunity to play the South layout at Torrey Pines Golf Course. Well, here's a little secret if you make it out there. While the trophy hunters, chest thumpers, and low handicappers prefer to do battle only on the South Course, one of the most beloved San Diego golf courses among locals is the North Course. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Torrey Pines Golf Course a Worthy Site for U.S. Open and Your San Diego Golf Vacation

One of the reasons the 2002 U.S. Open was so popular was because it was contested on New York's Bethpage Black, not only a public course but a municipally owned and operated public course. Well, get ready for "The People's Open - West." The U.S. Open begins today, and it's being played on the South eighteen at Torrey Pines Golf Course, owned and operated by the city of San Diego. Together with the North Course, Torrey Pines lays claim to America's only two municipally owned seaside layouts. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Secrets to Finding the Best Airline Seats for Your Next Golf Vacation

In my previous tip, I shared my secrets for finding the best airline fares and flights for your next golf vacation. Today, I'm letting you in on one of my secrets for finding the best airline seats. In fact, I am writing this while stretching out in seat 14F on a Continental Airlines Boeing 737-500. As far as coach flying goes, this is one of the best airline seats around. If you don't believe me, check out this 25-second video. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Secrets to Finding the Best Airline Fares for Your Next Golf Vacation

Except for when commercial air travel first, ahem, got off the ground, it has never been a particularly pleasant experience. And, given the turmoil in the airline industry today, it has gone from bad to worse. Not only are delays at an all-time high, published fares are up and restrictions are commonplace, from surcharges for even one piece of checked baggage, to the return of the requisite Saturday night stay-over. As you might expect, I travel quite frequently, and there are a few tricks of the trade that can help make your golf vacations a little better. Today, I am going to share with you one of my secrets for finding not only the best airline fares, but the best flights for your golf vacations. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Where in the World is Barnbougle Dunes?

If you watched the telecast of the PGA Tour's Memorial Tournament this past weekend, you probably heard the announcers say that Matt Goggin, who ultimately finished tied for second place, hails from Tasmania. Like any reasonable person, you were probably wondering: 1) Where the heck is Tasmania? And, 2) Do they even have golf courses there? (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Bandon Dunes Golf Vacations Become Slightly More Accessible

Taking a Bandon Dunes golf vacation just got a little easier. United Airlines has announced that, beginning July 7, it will offer non-stop flights from San Francisco International Airport to the North Bend Municipal Airport, the most convenient landing strip for golfers who don't have room in their budget for private or chartered aircraft. Flight times out of San Francisco are expected to be 11:08 a.m. and 8:17 p.m., with minor time changes sprinkled throughout the year. The trip takes about an hour and 40 minutes, and leaves you just a half hour away from your Bandon Dunes golf vacation. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Golf Cruise Basics to Know Before Taking Golf Vacations by Sea

Today's golf vacation tip is devoted to golf cruises and includes a special offer for our readers who may have an interest in this increasingly popular choice for golf vacations around the globe. In some respects, it's not surprising that cruising is well-suited for golf vacations. Just think about how many of the world's finest golf courses are located on or near the water. And, having just returned from my own Scotland golf vacation, paying for gas at nearly $8.00 per gallon is not a lot of fun. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Las Vegas Golf Courses to Play When You're on a Budget

I am taking a Las Vegas golf vacation in November with some frugal friends. We would like to find good Las Vegas Golf Courses to play with green fees between $100-$150 and lenient cancellation policies in case of bad weather. Any recommendations?If your friends were fanatically frugal, they would have urged you to take your Las Vegas golf vacation during the summer months of June-September, when green fees at some Las Vegas golf courses drop by as much as half. Of course, you give some of that back with all the bottled water you have to buy just to stay alive. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

A New St. Andrews Golf Course to Play on a Scotland Golf Vacation

Next month, the most significant golf course opening, one with global ramifications, will take place. On June 28, 2008, the seventh St. Andrews golf course, The Castle Course, will officially open for public play. When it does, it will be the first championship-style course to become part of "the home of golf" in nearly 100 years.Last week, I had the good fortune of playing this new St. Andrews golf course during a week-long Scotland golf vacation in and around the Kingdom of Fife (the peninsula in eastern Scotland where St. Andrews is located). In fact, our group had the distinction of being the first players to receive course books/yardage guides. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Daufuskie Island Resort a Good Choice for Pet-Friendly Golf Vacations

Family golf vacations are nothing new, but the trend of taking the whole family along, four-legged members included, seems to be on the rise. In 2002, the Travel Industry Association found that 14 percent of U.S. adults have traveled with a pet. In 2007, Tripadvisor pegged it at upwards of 50 percent. Still, as you might imagine, taking pets (dogs especially) on golf vacations isn't easy. While there are plenty of stand-alone hotels and motels that allow them, finding a golf resort that accommodates pets is a lot harder. Even tougher is finding one that is truly "pet friendly." There are plenty of places that will allow pets, but they really just use it as an opportunity to gouge you with all sorts of extra fees. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Discount Golf Vacations Possible with New Jersey Golf Courses

Any thoughts on above average, budget, northern New Jersey golf courses for a June trip? We'll be based in Secaucus, and we'd love to avoid big crowds so it's no problem if we have to drive a bit.Wow, you're looking for the trifecta? A quality, crowdless, and discount golf vacation among jam-packed northern New Jersey golf courses? Brother, that's not going to be easy, especially in June. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

One of the Best Santa Barbara Golf Courses to Play on a California Golf Vacation

If your next California golf vacation takes you to or through Santa Barbara County, be sure to stop and play La Purisima Golf Course. You simply will not find a better Santa Barbara golf course to play for less than $100 (green fees range from $50-$91). With a 75.6 stroke average and 143 slope rating from the tips, you probably won't find a more challenging one, either, a fact the course isn't shy about promoting on its website, where the question is posed: "Can you handle playing...La Piranha?" (its nickname given by the locals). (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Where to Find Discount Golf Vacations in Wales

The weak US Dollar has sent the price of U.K and Ireland golf vacations soaring to as much as $400-$500 per round at top courses. But value or even "discount" golf vacations in the U.K. are still possible, and my colleagues at Golf Odyssey recently uncovered a great option: Mid-Wales, where green fees at some of the best golf courses cost less than $70. Golf vacations in Wales aren't nearly as popular as neighboring U.K. and Ireland destinations, but you can bet interest is going to greatly intensify during the lead-up to, and following, its hosting of the Ryder Cup in 2010. To be sure, if golf vacation destinations were stocks, the smart money would be buying Wales. Consider this your chance to get in on the ground floor. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Myrtle Beach Restaurants: The Best 1-2 Combo on a Myrtle Beach Golf Vacation

Whenever I take a Myrtle Beach golf vacation, I make sure to get down to Pawleys Island, which not only has some of my favorite courses along the Grand Strand (Caledonia, True Blue, the Heritage Club) but also some of my favorite Myrtle Beach restaurants. The best one-two dining combination I've found is at Louis's at Pawleys (louisatpawleys.com) and the adjoining Fish Camp Bar, located on Highway 17 in the Hammock Shops specialty shopping/dining village. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

The Best Golf Courses in England's New Atlantic Links Lineup

While Scotland and Ireland often command the spotlight among those considering European golf vacations, England has some excellent layouts of its own, not the least of which is Royal Birkdale, site of this year's Open Championship. To capitalize on the attention the Open will bring (and a long-overdue effort to put the country on golfers' radar screens) several worthy golf courses in England's Southwest region are being bundled together to form the "Atlantic Links." (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

How to Get Vermont Golf Resort's Rooms at Half Price

Considering a Vermont golf vacation this summer? Given the unadvertised special we just came across, perhaps you should. The Stowe Mountain Lodge (stowemountainlodge.com) in Stowe, Vt. a Vermont golf resort opening in July, complete with a promising new, 18-hole, Bob Cupp-designed golf course is offering a near 50 percent discount off of its "studio" level room rates this summer. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

The Best Courses to Play on a Pinehurst Golf Resort Vacation

With eight courses to choose from, deciding where to tee it up at Pinehurst Golf Resort can seem like a daunting task, but it's really quite simple. While all of the Pinehurst golf courses are worthwhile (they don't call it "the American St. Andrews" for nothing), the even-numbered courses, as a group, are the best bets. After No. 2, the Donald Ross masterpiece that hosted the U.S. Open in 1999 and 2005, our first choice would be No. 4, a Tom Fazio design whose every hole offers unique variety, beauty...and challenge. It's dotted with 180 sand traps, most of which are small pot bunkers clustered near fairway landing areas, at the bends of doglegs, and around the greens. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Birmingham-to-the-Bay Stops on a Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail Vacation

I'm starting my Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail vacation in Birmingham at Ross Bridge Resort, then heading south to Lakewood Golf Club on Mobile Bay. Is it worth the price to play both courses at Lakewood or should I go to nearby Magnolia Grove to play its Crossings and Falls courses?Yes, we would recommend playing one of the courses at Magnolia Grove in lieu of playing both at Lakewood. Here's why:First, you'll get a nice change of scenery and topography. Second, you're going to Alabama to play the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, right? Well, neither Robert Trent Jones nor any of his design associates did any of the work at Lakewood, as it wasn't originally part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

New Course Near Bandon Dunes Golf Resort May Be a Player

To be perfectly honest, when I first wrote about Bandon Crossings golf course last year, I wasn't convinced the seasonal and remote Bandon market could support an upscale golf course unaffiliated with the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort. However, Southern Oregon's daily newspaper, The World, recently reported that Bandon Crossings, so far, is doing quite well in terms of traffic and course conditioning. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

The Best Public Golf Courses to Play on an Atlanta-to-Augusta Golf Vacation

Whenever the Masters approaches, we get questions about where to find the best public golf courses in Atlanta or in Augusta, Ga., itself.This year, we were asked about the best public golf courses to play when traveling from Atlanta to Augusta, a well-worn route by many who attend the tournament (or "toonamint," as they say down there), which begins on Thursday. If we were making the journey this year, below are the golf courses and resorts that would be on our radar screen. Again, they aren't necessarily the best public golf courses in Atlanta, but if you're heading out of the city on I-20 toward Augusta (and want to play golf while you're there), these courses may provide the best combination of worthwhile golf and minimal highway detours. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

How to Play Harbour Town Like the Pros on a Hilton Head Golf Vacation

If you could only play one course on a Hilton Head golf vacation, I'd recommend Harbour Town Golf Links. In addition to being a highly scenic and exhilarating shotmaker's course, it presents the rare opportunity to play a PGA Tour venue, the site of the the perennially popular Verizon Heritage tournament (held April 17-20 this year). Of course, even more unique than playing a PGA Tour course is the opportunity to play it under the exact conditions and setup the pros do, Sunday pin placements and all, and we found a way that you can do exactly that, the day after the tournament. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

A Bayside Beauty to Play on a Northern Michigan Golf Vacation

In addition to wooded beauty, certain Northern Michigan golf courses offer panoramic, "seaside" experiences, and one of our favorites is Bay Harbor Golf Links.It's located near the very top of the Michigan "oven mitt," overlooking Little Traverse Bay, an inlet into which Lake Michigan spills a bounty of fresh water for sailors, fisherman, windsurfers, and kayakers.An Arthur Hills design, Bay Harbor lies along the lakeshore in the charming town of Petoskey, characterized by little shops, inns, waterfront parks and restaurants. Across the bay is Harbor Springs, Michigan's answer to tony Kennebunkport, with its all-American streets lined with fashionable art galleries, nautical stores, fudge and ice cream shops, and boat slips. To be sure, Bay Harbor seems to have it all among Northern Michigan golf courses; plenty to see, plenty to do, and plenty of places to eat. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

A Family Friendly Resort for Your Northern Michigan Golf Vacation

If youre looking for a family friendly resort for a Northern Michigan golf vacation, Crystal Mountain Resort, in Thompsonville, might fit the bill nicely. Its decidedly family friendly and especially popular with women.The charming, small resort has 36 holes of golf (not the best weve played, but still fun) and lodging that looks like Scotland by way of Disney World, with Kinlochen, an elegant clubhouse, featuring rental condos above the golf shop. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Don't Fall for the Hype on Your Grand Cayman Golf Vacation

While it's known as a world-class scuba destination, the island of Grand Cayman has a long way to go before being considered a top spot for Caribbean golf vacations. That's not to say that taking a Grand Cayman golf vacation is a bad idea, but it's probably better suited to a long weekend or quick, mid-week getaway where golf is not the highest priority. Yes, there was a lot of fanfare surrounding last year's opening of Blue Tip, a Greg Norman design, but we found this private, nine-holer for Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman guests to be uninspiring. The course was built on relatively flat terrain and, though water is prevalent because the routing weaves through a series of man-made canals, there aren't any holes on the ocean. Isn't that one of the reasons people take Caribbean golf vacations? For the $218 we paid for two, nine-hole loops, we certainly expected to see, or at least hear, the crashing waves. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

The Benefits of North Myrtle Beach Golf Vacations

If you're planning on taking a Myrtle Beach golf vacation this year, don't slight the northern reaches of America's most popular golf mecca. This area of the Grand Strand (just over the border in North Carolina) offers a variety of excellent Myrtle Beach golf courses. Most Myrtle Beach regulars might play one or two courses in the north before moving on to the more publicized links in the center and south, but we think there is enough good golf here and enough good reasons to warrant multi-day North Myrtle Beach golf vacations. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Biodegradable Ball May Up the Fun Factor for Golf Cruises

Do you know how you can tell who the golfers are on cruise ships? They're the ones standing at the back of the boat, imagining how fun it would be to launch golf balls into ocean. I'm not a huge fan of golf cruises, so I don't know exactly how, in 1997, the idea to create water-soluble, environmentally friendly golf balls occurred to me. But, I figured if I could make them approximate the feel and flight characteristics of regular golf balls, I could sell a lot of them to cruise lines, the Navy, etc. Well, while I was daydreaming about this, someone else was actually doing something about it. Fast forward to a month ago when I received not one, but two emails from friends (one of whom had to endure my idea pitch 10 years ago) telling me that they had read about Eco Golf Balls (ecogolfballs.com).I can't say I wasn't a little bit disappointed, but as a wise person once said, "If it's truly a good idea, chances are someone else has thought of it, too." (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

How to Play Maui and Lanai, Hawaii Golf Courses on the Same Golf Vacation

Two of the best courses you can play on a Maui, Hawaii golf vacation aren't on Maui at all, but on the nearby island of Lanai. We're talking, of course, about the Jack Nicklaus-designed Challenge at Manele (on the coast) and the Ted Robinson/Greg Norman-designed Experience at Koele (in the island's mountainous interior). Getting to them from Maui is an easier day trip than you might think. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

GHIN Great for Calculating Golf Handicaps while on a Golf Vacation

One of the greatest things about golf is that, thanks to the handicap system, players of widely differing skill levels can engage in competitive matches with one another. By allowing less accomplished players to subtract a certain amount of strokes from their score (thus eliminating the better player's advantage) a 26 handicap, for instance, can play against a five-handicap and have an equal chance of winning. At your home course, it's pretty easy to determine how many strokes you are either giving to, or receiving from, your playing partners. All you need to do is check the golf handicap printouts in the clubhouse or use the golf handicap conversion chart that probably hangs in the locker room. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Kapalua Plantation Course Outshines All Other Maui, Hawaii Golf Courses

Why is this week the one in which you'll likely have more in common with the guys on tour than at any other time of the year? For one thing, they, too, are getting back to work after some much needed holiday rest and relaxation. For another, they're kicking off the 2009 PGA Tour season this Thursday on a spectacular golf course that you can play on your very own Hawaii golf vacation: the Kapalua Plantation Course in Maui, Hawaii.Unlike some PGA Tour courses, selected more because of deals with the sponsor or the availability of parking than on merit, the Ben Crenshaw/Bill Coore-designed Kapalua Plantation Course lives up to every expectation. It is, hands down, the best of the Maui golf courses you can play, and some would say it's the best among all Hawaii golf courses. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

The Best Maui Golf Courses to Play on a Hawaii Golf Vacation

My wife and I are planning a Maui golf vacation. What are your picks for golf in the Makena and Wailea areas, and which other Maui golf courses are worth seeking out if we rent a car or taxi?If you have to choose between playing the Maui golf courses at Wailea or Makena, we recommend Wailea (waileagolf.com). And, of its three layouts, Gold, Emerald, and Old Blue, the Gold and Emerald courses are the best bets.As Golf Odyssey readers will be advised in the upcoming April issue: (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Discount Golf Vacations Can Include Hawaii Golf Courses

You probably don't think of Hawaii golf courses when you're looking for discount golf vacations, but deals do exist. There are, of course, the everyday and deeply reduced kama'aina (pronounced, "ka-muh-EYE-nah) rates, but you had better be able to prove that you're a local if you ask for them.Aside from that, some of the best deals we've found are available through the Golf Hawaii Card (golfhawaiicard.com).The Golf Hawaii Card works like other golf passes you may have seen, except for three big differences: (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Playing the Pebble Beach Golf Courses When You're Not a Resort Guest

Three friends and I are planning to take a Pebble Beach golf vacation in 2010 to celebrate my friend's 40th birthday. How can we reserve a tee time at the Pebble Beach Golf Course without staying at the exorbitantly priced resort itself?Unfortunately, if you're not a guest of Pebble Beach Resorts, you can only make tee times at Pebble Beach Golf Course one day in advance, and that hardly seems like it would work for the Pebble Beach golf vacation you're planning. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Coore and Crenshaw Add to Lineup of Orlando Golf Courses

Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw may have just raised the bar on Orlando golf courses. Sugarloaf Mountain (themountain.cc; 866-936-4455), their first design in Florida, was unveiled last month in the Lake Apopka region, about 40 minutes from downtown Orlando. This expansive track, which plays 7,126 yards from the tips, rambles over remarkably hilly terrain (unique for Orlando golf courses) and features distant vistas of the Orlando skyline. It's yet another example of the strategic, naturalistic, and minimalist style that has become the duo's trademark (think Sand Hills, Friar's Head, and Bandon Trails). (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Don't Let the Weak Dollar Kill Your Golf Vacation Plans

Last week, the dollar hit an all-time low against the Euro. It now costs Americans approximately $1.50 for one Euro no wonder Jay-Z is flashing a stack of Euro's in his latest music video. It really calls into question whether traveling overseas is worth the premium these days.To put this in perspective, consider that, five years ago, a round at Pebble Beach Golf Links cost $350, about 324. Today, it costs $525 or 350 50 percent more in U.S. dollars, but only 8 percent more in Euros. Comparing the same time period, the green fee for the Old Course at Ballybunion Golf Club in Ireland is up more than 60 percent in Euros, but has skyrocketed 227 percent in U.S dollars, from $119 to $270! (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

How to Get on Bethpage Black, Site of the 2009 US Open

In the last few months, several readers have asked what we recommend in terms of when and how to get on Long Island, New York's Bethpage Black course before it hosts the 2009 U.S. Open.The "when" part is easy: as soon as you possibly can. The U.S. Open is being held at Bethpage Black on June 15-21, 2009, so you only have this season before things start to get really jammed up out there. And for out-of-staters, it's going to be that much tougher because New York residents can make tee times up to seven days in advance; for everyone else, it's only two days. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Getting on the Most Famous St. Andrews Golf Course as a Single

Any advice on getting a single tee time for the Old Course at St. Andrews? I know I can go to the starter first thing in the morning, but I don't know when to get there. Would I have to buy two tee times to get into the daily ballot?You are correct in theory, Joe; a daily ballot entry to play the Old Course requires a minimum of two players, but we wouldn't recommend trying to "game" the system as the starter probably wouldn't take kindly to it. And if you've spent the time, money, and effort to fly to Scotland to play the most famous St. Andrews golf course, the starter is the last person you want to mess with. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

How to Deal with Cart-Path-Only Policies on Your Next Golf Vacation

Many people think the worst three words in golf are, "You're still away." This past weekend, on my Scottsdale golf vacation, I was reminded of three words that are even worse, "Cart Path Only." In town to evaluate recent changes to some of Scottsdale's best golf courses, I had to weather cart-path-only restrictions at Grayhawk Golf Club and during one of two rounds at Troon North Golf Club. While cart-path-only golf is better than no golf at all, it's kinda like driving on the shoulder of the autobahn. Takes a lot of the fun out of it, ya know? Anyway, here are some tips for dealing with the situation if you're confronted with it: (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

The Best 36-Hole Facility to Play on a Scottsdale Golf Vacation

The following is an excerpt from our free, special report on We-Ko-Pa Golf Club:When We-Ko-Pa, already one of our favorite golfing grounds in the desert Southwest, unveiled its second, 18-hole course in late 2006, the Bill Coore-Ben Crenshaw designed Saguaro Course (pronounced "suh-WAHR-oh"), it not only doubled our pleasure, it catapulted to the head of our list of the best 36-hole complexes to play on a Scottsdale golf vacation. Located on Native American land in Fort McDowell just beyond Scottsdale's borders, We-Ko-Pa offers an unbeatable combination of two layouts of utterly contrasting styles, a stunning clubhouse that draws on desert and Yavapi Nation traditions, a reasonable green fee, and a rare, pure golf setting that is utterly devoid of course-side housing. Add up all these factors and there is simply no more enjoyable place to play back-to-back rounds on a Scottsdale golf vacation. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Sinkholes on Cancun Golf Courses Offer a Unique Twist

Today, when the PGA Tour follows up it first-ever south-of-the-border visit to Mexico and its Cancun/Riviera Maya region, players will have to contend with additional hazards that they don't normally find on courses here in the States: giant sinkholes. Rare in other parts of the world, but common on some Cancun golf courses, these sinkholes, or cenotes (se-NO-tays), are limestone, cave-like structures similar to underground lava tubes. The exotic, Greg Norman-designed El Camaleon course that the Tour is playing is crisscrossed by them, and players will get a glimpse of one on the very first hole, where the Devil's Mouth, sits smack dab in the middle of the fairway. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

The Next Hotspot for Dominican Republic Golf Vacations

Those considering Dominican Republic golf vacations now have more to choose from besides the venerable Casa de Campo Resort in La Romana. Punta Cana, an area on the country's east coast long known for it's all-inclusive beach retreats, is poised to become the golf mecca of the Caribbean. Although none of its individual resorts can yet match the collection of courses at Casa de Campo Resort, Punta Cana offers superior beaches and seaside golf that's even more spectacular than its older rival. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Primm Valley Golf Club Review for Your Las Vegas Golf Vacation

Despite being located 30 minutes south of The Strip, the two layouts at Primm Valley Resort, the Desert Course and Lakes Course, are among the most popular to play on Las Vegas golf vacations. Why? Well, as the Hooked on Golf Blog states in its review today, it helps that "both courses at Primm Valley were designed by probably the most famous designer of our era, Tom Fazio." (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Fourth Course Taking Shape at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort

One of our field operatives recently dropped in on the Bandon Dunes Resort and came across an interesting foursome, though they were not there to play golf.Bandon Dunes Resort owner Mike Keiser, Pacific Dunes architect Tom Doak, and Doak's two principal colleagues, Jim Urbina and Bruce Hepner, were exploring the potential routing plan for the fourth, 18-hole course, called Old Macdonald. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

The Best Time of Year to Take a Pebble Beach Golf Vacation

Want to know the absolute best time of year to take a Pebble Beach golf vacation? Don't go by the PGA Tour, which is making its annual visit to the Pebble Beach golf courses this week.In fact, if you go by weather alone (average temperature and precipitation), December through March is the worst time to visit these hallowed golfing grounds. And, given that, as of April 1, 2008, it will cost $495 to play Pebble Beach Golf Links (plus a $35 cart fee if you're not a resort guest) and there are no discounted "winter rates," it's beyond me why anyone would take a Pebble Beach golf vacation at any time other than the prime weather months of May through October. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

PGA Tour Sells Naming Rights to Two New San Antonio Golf Courses

It's one thing for a corporate sponsor to get its name on a golf tournament, but the course itself? That's rare. And, in my opinion, tacky and just plain wrong. Well, in its increasing desire to join the corporate party being enjoyed by other major sports organizations, the PGA Tour announced yesterday that it sold the naming rights to its two new San Antonio golf courses to AT&T. According to a PGA Tour press release, "The long-term sponsorship agreement will incorporate AT&T into the names of the courses at TPC San Antonio. The courses will be known as the AT&T Oaks Course (designed by Greg Norman, with player consultant Sergio Garcia) and the AT&T Canyons Course (designed by Pete Dye, with player consultant Bruce Lietzke)." (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

Two Stand-Alone Courses that are "Must Plays" on a Northern Michigan Golf Vacation

Much of the spotlight that shines on Northern Michigan golf focuses on the area's large resorts, but there are two stand-alone courses that you must play on your Northern Michigan golf vacation. The first is Tom Weiskopf's Forest Dunes Golf Club, located about 40 minutes south of Gaylord, the epicenter of Northern Michigan golf. A treat for any purist, the course is reminiscent of Weiskopf's famed Arizona courses, such as Troon North, though instead of the desert, the holes are threaded through natural sand dunes and native grasses. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

The Lowdown on Shanty Creek Resort's Courses for Your Northern Michigan Golf Vacation

Along with the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, Shanty Creek Resort near Traverse City is one of Northern Michigan's original, big-time golf resorts. It has 72-holes, but until recently, it could be skipped on a Northern Michigan golf vacation. Not anymore. Its newest layout is arguably one of the state's best, the little-known Cedar River Golf Club. Designed by Tom Weiskopf, it spills over tumultuous terrain presenting one strikingly memorable hole after another; an "ooh-ah" factor as high as you will see on a Northern Michigan golf vacation. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

A Brand New Course to Play on a Myrtle Beach Golf Vacation

You may have read that more than 15 Myrtle Beach golf courses have closed in the last few years. Well, here's one that's bucking the trend. Starting tomorrow, there will be a new course to play on a Myrtle Beach golf vacation, albeit toward the south end of the Grand Strand. It's called The Founders Club at Pawleys Island, not to be confused with the Founders Club at St. James Plantation in the far northern reaches of the Strand. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)

All-inclusive Arizona Golf Packages for an Arizona Golf Vacation

I would like to surprise my husband with an all-inclusive Arizona golf vacation. I want him to arrive and not worry about anything except where his ball landed. What do your Arizona golf packages include? Sorry, Nicky, but we're a source of expert advice only. We often get mistaken for a golf travel provider, but we have no affiliation with golf courses, hotels, resorts, or restaurants. And I'd add that, unlike other golf publications, we do not accept advertising or free "site inspection" trips from them, either. It's all part of our commitment to providing you with unbiased reviews that you can trust. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com)