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DEL.ICIO.USDoes golf make your vacation?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
My husband recently realized that the beautiful beach locale we have chosen for our family vacation is at least a two-hour ferry ride from the nearest 18-hole golf course. Apparently, there’s a fine line between finding a secluded, natural getaway and being exiled from all things great and good in this world - and it’s directly related to William’s ability to hit the links.
While I’m sure he will enjoy our unspoiled beach holiday, I suspect that tee times will play a much more prominent role in future vacation decisions. That’s fine with me. I like golf, even though I tee off from the junior tees and my best shot is my slice. (But it’s a work of art… really.)
For true golfers, the travel industry offers William’s dream getaway - specialized golf vacations. Whether you just want to play as many holes as humanly possible or you’re looking for instruction to improve your game, the southeast offers a wealth of golf getaway opportunities.
Most resorts will offer golf packages at various times throughout the year, and many traditional southern vacation destinations are packed chockablock with beautiful golf courses. Think Hilton Head Island, for instance. Several southern states are also home to golf schools that put together vacation packages for those who want to come home a better player than when they left.
Or you could drive west for a golfing tour of Alabama via the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. The Trail links eleven different sites from Mobile to Muscle Shoals and everywhere in between. It gives duffers and aficionados alike the chance to play 468 holes of golf over 26 courses. Along the way are resorts and hotels where you can bed down before you tee off the next day. Greens fees vary by location and time of year, but they tend to range between $43 and $64 for the original courses and $80 and $125 for the three additional courses.
Budget minded golfers can similarly golf their way through Georgia as they enjoy the eight courses within our state parks system at very reasonable rates.
For more information, check out these sites from the AJC, the Travel Channel and Travel South USA for additional golf trip ideas.
If it’s all about the golf for you, let us know what you think. When you’re building your holiday around one specific activity, it’s nice to base your decisions on the recommendations of those who have gone before you. So… have you taken a golf vacation or do you plan to take one? What are your favorite golf courses, resorts or schools? Was it better it just pick a place you like and try to work in golf around it, or did you have better luck using a travel agent to book your golf getaway? What kind of golf packages should you look out for … or avoid?
Permalink | Comments (18) | Post your comment | Categories: Southeast travel
Comments
By mayretter local
May 14, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this
I prefer Mark Twain’s outlook on the game: “Golf ruins a good walk in the woods.”
Caddyshack is one of my alltime favorite comedies.
By golfchik
May 14, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this
Definitely golf is a must! My husband has loved and played golf for years and didn’t play when we went on family vacations so he could spend time with - The family! Now that our kids are in college I have learned to play and LOVE it. It’s great for the two of us to go on vacation (HHI is definitely a favorite) and play golf together. It’s another bond between us and we have a great time. We also meet other couples and get to see some beautiful courses.
By JJ
May 14, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
I think golfing is one of the most boreing “sports” around. I agree with Mark Twain’s outlook…..
That said, I do love a good game of Putt-Putt!!!!
By -grapeape
May 14, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
I agree. Golf is boring
By Stew
May 14, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this
Go to Dauphin Island Alabama and golf on a great course that the Island homeowners own. It is Gulf front and costs about $20.00 with cart for 18 holes. Never a wait. A lost vacation spot in America. Beware of huricanes. The island is great now but took 2 years since Katrina.
By 300 yd drive
May 15, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
Of course it does!!! I’ve been playing about 10 years. I have two children, one will be graduating in 2 years so my golf has to be done in moderation until I can really focus on getting my handicap down in a few years. Golf in HH is great as well Sandestin, FL. and the Disney courses are a great place to play. They have 4 different courses and each one has its own character. It’s a great getaway when taking the kids to see the Mouse in Orlando.
I love the game though, I just upgraded to better equipment (titleist) I look forward to trying that course in Alabama. Thanks for the heads up Stew.
For those who think golf is boring, I have to disagree. As an accomplished athlete I have played all sports well. Golf is by far the most challenging and rewarding. As with life, you get out of it what you put into it.
By Bill
May 15, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
I just played a Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail Course at Ross Bridge in Birmnigham, Alabama. An easy drive from Altanta and an amazing resort that looks like a castle. Amazing!
By SOUL DAWG
May 15, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this
THINK SEA ISLAND KEEP YOUR BUCKS IN GEORGIA
By Ping
May 16, 2008 5:55 AM | Link to this
Pawleys Island SC -Caledonia Golf and Fish Club -True Blue -Litchfield -River Club -Willowbrook -Heritage Club -Wachesaw
Myrtle Beach SC -Legends Heathland -Legends Moorland -Barefoot Resort Love -Barefoot Resort Norman -The Dunes -Shaftsbury Glen -Blackmoor
Brunswick County NC -Oyster Bay -Thistle -Tigers Eye -Panthers Run -The Pearl -Carolina National
Pinehurst Area NC -Pinehurst Resort Courses -Tobacco Road -The Pit -Mid Pines -Pine Needles
are all great locations that have numerous golf facilities of all types and prices within a days drive. We usually take at least one of our trips to a golf destination trip per year, and leave the others for trips without golf.
By Tigger Woodes
May 17, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this
Know why it’s called “golf”? Because ess-h-eye-tee was already taken. Golfers are the biggest phonies and a$$-holes on this planet.
By Shawn
May 17, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
Actually, the biggest a$$-holes and phonies on this planet are people that go onto the comment section of blogs and call people names anonymously…
By Racebaiter
May 17, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this
The only thing more boring that playing golf is watching golf.
By Racebaiter
May 17, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this
Oh, and the only thing more boring than watching golf, is watching golf AT the tournament (heat and crowds).
By no, of course not
May 17, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this
Horrible. Horrible vacation. Nothing to talk about here.
By chinolong
May 18, 2008 12:29 AM | Link to this
I used to be a golf hater. That all changed after I really gave the game a try. I am no an addict. Those that hate the game are usually non-athletic or too poor to play.
By Racebaiter
May 18, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
Chinolong,
I’m quite qualified to judge the “boringness” of golf. Very athletic and far from poor. I’ve played many times. Boring.
By lucky
May 19, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
I have played golf and it is challenging and BORING. You do not need to be an athlete, check out some of the fat guys who play. i SEE GOLFERS AS PEOPLE WHO PLAY A LIFESTYLE “ROLE” tHEY GOLF BECAUSE THIER ILK DO.
By Bill-005
May 28, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this
No, golf is not my number one prior on a vacation trip, most of my vacation trips has mostly been adult sex and I’ve been to the DR often at charlisangels adult sex vacations and they have from golf to casino, and it’s all inclusive.