Preserving Memories

photo credit: torkildr   If you are preparing for your dream golf vacation to Pebble Beach, Pinehurst No. ll or even St. Andrews, taking good photo’s is essential.  Here are some ways to take good photo’s: 

A).  For good pictures you need sunlight, and plenty of it.  Sunshine enhances shadows which create mood.  Partly cloudy is OK, just make sure you shoot when the clouds are not obstructing the sunlight.  If it is grey and overcast, take photos another day.  B)  The best kind of light is warm light.  Warm light occurs when the sun is low which is either in the early morning or just before sunset.  During this period, shadows will be very pronounced.  C)  Frame your subject with objects in the foreground (trees, flowers, limbs) for good depth perception.

Golf Vacation Deals

photo credit: Steven Fernandez    On August 17-23, the Sunriver Resort will host the Champions Tour’s JELD -WEN Tradition.  The course is the famous Crosswater Golf Club which is certified by the Audubon Society.  Unlimited golf packages are from $174.  call 800 801-8850 or learn more at www.sunriver-resort.com .

If you plan a Canadian vacation try Toronto for some fabulous courses.  Play Glen Abbey Golf Club which is 7, 112 yds. and a par 73.  Greens fees are from $140 – 235.  Get 3 picturesque rounds at Angus Glen Golf Club (North) which is a 7,403 layout.  The par is 72 and the greens fees are $120 – $175.   To learn more go to www.anguspian.com .

Try 3 rounds at Wooden Sticks Golf Club, a par 72, and a 7,025 yard layout.  Get three rounds for $145 - $220.  Go to www.woodensticks.com.

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Packing for a Golf Vacation

photo credit: dmytrok   Be prepared for your next golf vacation, here’s how:  (A)  Bring Painkillers such as Advil, Aleve or Tylenol.  (B)  Alcohol-based sunblock spray with a high SPF rating.  (C)  A digital camera with new batteries.  (D)  Underwear with plenty of socks in case of rain.  (E)  Laptop for monitoring weather or booking tee times.  (F)  Cell phone & Charger.  (G)  Rain Gear.  (H)  Bug repellent.  (I)  Rain gear.  (J)  Sweater and/or jacket.  (K)  Two extra golf gloves.  (L)  Extra pair of waterproof golf shoes.  (M)  Blue-Ice, for sore muscles.  (N)  Energy bars/peanuts.  (O)  Sunglasses.  (P)  Umbrella.  (Q)  Plenty of one and five-dollar bills for tips etc.  (R)  Band-aids.  (S)  Mini- alarm clock.  

Don’t wait until the last minute to pack.  Place all your gear in one area (spare bedroom) and accumulate it over several days prior to leaving so that you will have plenty of time to remember everything you need.

Great Golf Destinations

photo credit: www.theedinburghblog.co.uk   Here are some great golf destinations for summer fun: 

Pinehurst Resort – 800 487-4653, play unlimited golf with any two-night Donald Ross package including breakfast and dinner.  Book midweek and receive a $300 gift card. 

Casa de Campo. La Romana, Dominican Republic – www.casadecampo.com.co, 800 877-3643, play three Pete Dye courses including the famous Teeth of the Dog for a Caribbean golf getaway. 

Dancing Rabbit – www.PearlRiverResort.com, 866 447-3275, play the Azaleas course, called “The Augusta you can play” by GOLF MAGAZINE and stay at the Golden Moon Hotel & Casino or the Silver Star Hotel & Casino. 

The Highland Course at Primland – www.Primland.com, 866 960-7746, located high atop the Blue Ridge Mountains, the course offers a unique golfing experience.  Book by May 1, 2009 and receive second night free.

Golf Vacations on the Net

photo credit: beltzner   Sign up with GOLF DIGEST’S e-scapes network and receive monthly travel and real-estate opportunities sent directly to your computer’s inbox.  Sign up for the free GOLF DIGEST travel Publications at www.gdpescapes.com.

For golf vacations only visit www.gdphotdeals.com.  The site is updated monthly with all sorts of resort information and pricing including the latest resort and course photo’s.  This is another GOLF DIGEST web-site. 

For more extensive information on golf travel try www.gdpwholeinone.com for literally hundreds of worldwide resort locations.

For Orlando, FL. golf packages try www.GolfOrlandoVacationClub.com.  For Tennessee packages try www.TennesseeGolfPackages.com.  Another excellent site is www.Worldwidegv.com if you are planning a golf vacation somewhere other than the US.  Planning a trip to the home of golf, Scotland or Ireland?  For guaranteed starting times at St. Andrews try www.Pioneergolf.com.

Play Vegas Baby

photo credit: essygie   A golf vacation in Las Vegas combines daytime fun on the links and evening excitement in Sin City.  Go to www.waltersgolf.com for some great golf vacations and bargain deals. 

Even though the Las Vegas strip has some of the most expensive courses in the nation, there are still some pretty good deals available through Walters Golf.  Course fees run as high as $500 per round but there still a few wonderful courses where you can play for far less. 

Desert Pines ($99.-$178.), has an abundance of pines and contoured greens, a real challenge.  Royal Links($125.-$269), is as close as you’re going to get to St. Andrews with very small greens and pot-hole bunkers.  Bali Hai ($195.-$320.), is known for being a shot-makers course.  For reservations call 888 427-6679.

Sunbelt Golf Vacations

photo credit: Eduardo.Coutinho   Great golf vacations in the sunbelt: The World Golf Village, Florida offers 3 nights at the Comfort Suites, 4 rounds of golf w/c on each of it’s 4 championship courses for $563.  The Lake Buena Vista Resort in Orlando offers 3 nights and 4 rounds of golf w/c on 4 championship courses for $494.  The Quality Inn, Tempe, AZ is offering 4 nights with 3 rounds w/c at The Duke, Trilogy, Power Ranch and the Grand golf courses for $551.  The Courtyard by Marriott is offering 3 nights and 3 rounds of golf at the Classic Club, Desert Willow and at Mission Hills for $745.  Be sure to check the Resorts for dates and availability.  For a 5% discount on any package call 800 555-0807 or go to www.golfpactravel.com.

Pinehurst Golf Resort

For the third straight year GOLF MAGAZINE chose the Pinehurst Golf Resort as the “Best Golf Resort In America.”  With eight world-class courses and the Pinehurst Golf Academy, the historic resort offers an unparalleled golf experience.

The course that Bobby Jones once called the “St. Andrews of United States Golf,” has witnessed some of the greatest golf dramas in history; including Ben Hogan’s first PGA win.

Overnight rates start at $229.00 with several packages available.  The ”Buddy Trip of a Lifetime” package includes 3 days and 2 nights, unlimited golf, breakfast and dinner daily, one steak & lobster dinner, unlimited spa services, a $50.00 gift card and much more.  The package is $2,300 double occupancy.  For more information call 800 487-4653 or visit www.pinehurst.com.

Desert Golf

photo credit: danperry.com   If you are planning a southwestern golf vacation and are unfamiliar with playing in the desert, there are certain things to be aware of to make your golf experience more enjoyable.

Its a good idea to carry at least one “desert club” (a beater) in your bag.  Hitting one of your brand new irons off the rocky terrain can be hard on your wallet.  Be careful not to brush or bump into cactus plants, doing so can ruin your day.  In hot weather, watch for rattlesnakes when looking for lost balls.  Drink plenty of water, if its not hot, its still very dry in the desert.  Bring rain gear and a sweater for sudden desert showers.  Make sure to use sunblock, desert sun is very intense.

Group Travel Tips

photo credit: avlxyz   Going on a golf vacation with a group of 8 or more fellow golfers can be very frustrating unless plans are established in advance.  Every group needs a person that will not only coordinate travel plans but make decisions when on location.  Sometimes, not everyone in the group will agree but it does prevents squabbles.

Travel Tips: (1) Designate one individual to make all travel arrangements including plane, hotel and tee time reservations.  (2) Form a committee (3 people) to settle any controversies that arise.  (3) Collect all wages before the round begins.  (4) Be very selective about inviting a new member to your group.    (5) When on location, don’t always travel as a group.  (6) Make travel plans for the following year before ending your present vacation.

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