The Golf Slice

We’re on the cusp of winter where I live and it is times like this, as the temperature starts to fall, that I think long for sunny skies and golf again. Well, for people in my situation, the best bet to get your golf fix during these chilly months is to head out on a vacation through one of the many golf holiday packages to a more pleasant climate.

This winter I’m going to be spending a few weeks in Florida and you can bet I’m going to be flying down there with my golf clubs and trying to sneak in a few rounds. I’ll be traveling alone though. It’s a tougher sell to sneak out and hit the course when you have a spouse or family to worry about and keep entertained…

The trick to a golf vacation plan, especially if your significant other couldn’t care less about golfing, is to pick a destination that offers everyone something to do. That’s why the best spots are sometimes overseas. You can find a list of excellent golf holiday packages online for spots on the European continent like Spain and Portugal.

So if you woke up this morning and it was thirty degrees outside and the forecast calls for wind and show it might be time to think about escaping town for a week or two. Find some place sunny and warm with tons of golf courses and have a great vacation.

A definite changing of the guard is taking place in the professional golf ranks and evidence of it should be on full display at the 2011 British Open. If the 2010 PGA Tour rankings offer any indication, a new generation of PGA stars is emerging.

Lee Westwood appears to be an obvious favorite to win it all at Royal St. George’s. Westwood placed third at the British Open two years ago and finished as runner-up last summer. He also finished second at the 2010 Masters. Westwood overtook Tiger Woods as the world’s No.1 ranked golfer last October and spent 17 weeks atop the list. He is the only golfer to hold a no. 1 ranking without winning a major. Westwood ranks 10th all time on the European Tour with 20 victories.

His biggest challenge could come from Martin Kaymer, a German golfer who currently ranks No. 1 in the world after taking over the top spot in late February. Kaymer claimed his first major PGA title when he won the 2010 PGA Championship. He finished regulation tied at 11-under par with Bubba Watson and defeated Watson in a three-hole playoff to win the tournament. Kaymer has earned three other top 10 finishes in his last five majors.

Besides Westwood and Kaymer, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson can always be considered realistic contenders to claim the Open Championship. There will be no discount golf on hand at this year’s Open Championship; only the highest quality will be on display.

Mickelson defeated Westwood by three strokes to win the 2010 Masters. He is a three-time Masters champion and also won at the PGA Championship in 2005. For his career he has accumulated 17 top 5 finishes in the four majors. His best showing at the British Open came in 2004, when Mickelson came in third for his only top 10 finish in that major.

Woods ranks third all-time in both PGA Tour victories (71) and European Tour victories (38). A rough year in 2010 dropped him from the No. 1 spot in the world rankings. But Woods can get it done at the British Open. Three of his 14 victories in the majors have come in the United Kingdom and he has posted four other top 10 finishes.

An unheralded winner could come out of nowhere, however, given what happened the last time the British Open was played at Royal St. George’s in 2003. That year, Ben Curtis shocked the field when he shot a final round 69 to claim his first major title.

Royal St. George’s has hosted 14 Open Championships during its history. The course has developed a reputation for being a rugged one to manage with deep fairways winding through thick rough and imposing sand dunes. Even the best golfers have a tough time staying under par on this course.

Hilton Head Island in South Carolina is a well known tourist destination among Americans. Everyone from Spring Break enthusiasts to families on summer vacation has been to or considered Hilton Head Island. Not surprisingly, Hilton Head provides numerous activities for people of all ages, one of the most popular being golf. While the area is best known for its pleasant weather and fine beaches, many may not know that Hilton Head golf is considered not only some of the best in the United States, but worldwide as well. Golf Digest has even ranked Hilton Head Island number 10 on its list of world’s best golf resorts!

Hilton Head has a course to fit any golfer’s desires and abilities. The island boasts scenic oceanfront courses, tricky riverside courses, courses that twist and turn through maritime forests and tidal marshes, and even courses that have been designed by current and former PGA Tour professionals. Below you will find just three of the many beautiful and challenging courses Hilton Head Island has to offer.

Hilton Head National Golf Club
Hilton Head National Golf Club was the first public golf course in the area to be built inland. The course is located in Bluffton and features 27 holes that span over 6700 yards. The courses original 18 holes were designed by PGA Tour pro Gary Player. Player designed the initial 18 holes to challenge low-handicap golfers and entertain high-handicap golfers. Bobby Weed designed an additional nine holes for the course in 1998. Hilton Head National Golf Club is open year round, offers golf-pro services, rental clubs, carts included in fees, and has an open visitors policy.

Palmetto Dunes Course
The Palmetto Dunes Course at Hilton Head Island is one of the oldest and most cherished courses at the resort and recently celebrated its 40th birthday. The course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and opened in 1967. The tree-lined course at the Palmetto Dunes has an 18 hole championship course that stretches 6710 yards. The course rewards good golfers and while it can challenge the not so great, they will enjoy a scenic course in the process.

Harbour Town Golf Links
Harbour Town Golf Links at Sea Pines Resort is perhaps one of the best courses available to visitors of Hilton Head Island. PGA Tour legend Jack Nicklaus designed the original course that opened in 1970 and Pete Dye refined the course in 2000. The 18 hole course that covers 6910 yards from the championship tees features small greens and water in play on almost every hole. The course offers a serious test to any golfer looking for a good challenge on the links.

The above golf courses are just a few of the amazing courses visitors to Hilton Head Island can play. The resort features over 60 courses to challenge any golfer from amateurs to professionals. With a wide variety of public and private courses, with greens fees ranging from moderate to expensive and plenty of available Hilton Head tee times, every golfer will find the right course that not only fits their abilities but their budget as well.

Arizona is a place that features many choices for golfers. While there are golf courses all throughout the state, the major cities present some fantastic choices. The following are some of the prime choices in the cities of Scottsdale, Tuscon, and Phoenix for Arizona golf.

The Phoenician
One of the highest recommended golf course locations in Scottsdale is The Phoenician, which actually features three different golf courses. The Oasis course is a 2,559 yard, 18 hole, par 35 golf course. It was opened in 1988 and is managed by Troon Golf, LLC, who also has numerous other golf courses throughout the state. The Desert golf course is an 18 hole course that features 2465 yards of golf and a par 35 that was also opened in 1988. In 1995 the Canyon course was added and features 2312 yards of 18 hole golf and is a par 35 as well. The Phoenician courses are known for their impeccably maintained courses, the best in the Scottsdale golf scene, and the difficulty of all three courses here are in the medium difficulty range.

The Lodge at Ventana Canyon
The Lodge at Ventana Canyon in Tucson is one of the highest rated places for golf in this area of Arizona and features two separate courses. The Mountain course is an 18 hole course featuring 6898 yards and a par 72, while the Canyon course features 6819 yards, 18 holes, and a par 72. Both courses were constructed in 1984 and have received numerous awards throughout the years from various golfing publications. Both courses are considered among the most difficult you will find in Arizona. The Lodge at Ventana Canyon courses are also well known for their scenery, with a chance to see some wildlife while playing your round, and their well maintained grounds. The lodging provided by this establishment is also something that many people have raved about, and the amenities offered by The Lodge are also something that many golfers have considered among the best you will find.

The Legacy Golf Resort
One of the prime choices in Phoenix golf is The Legacy Golf Resort. The Legacy was opened in 1999 and features 6816 yards of 18 hole golf and is a par 72 course. It is also conveniently located, being only eight miles from the center of town. While the course is not known as the most difficult course, it is also a bit harder than your basic medium difficulty courses. The Legacy Golf Resort is also known for it’s many amenities and it’s well maintained greens and fairways. Many golfers who have played here before have said that the Legacy presents a great value for the money, making this a course you will want to visit if you are in the Phoenix area.

Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places on earth to play golf. The tropical climate makes Hawaii golf a year-round golfing destination. There are championship courses as well as amateur courses, public and private. Since it is sunny for most of the year, you can enjoy a golf vacation without worrying that it will get rained out at the last minute. Hawaii golf courses are some of the best in the world. It can be difficult to choose just a few as the best. The following three courses could definitely qualify at the top of the list.

Ka’anapali Tournament Course
The Ka’anapali course is located on the island of Maui within the Ka’anapali beach resort. There are actually two separate courses included within the resort, and each has its own charms. The North course was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. It embodies all of the elements that the famous designer is known for. The greens are very large and heavily contoured to give even the most experienced golfer a putting challenge. This par 71 course is definitely not for the beginner. The South course is a little friendlier for the average golfer. The South course is also a par 71, but the greens are much smaller and less contoured for more straightforward putting. Pros are available on both courses to give you pointers about how to best approach each hole. The beautiful backdrop of Maui gives you uninterrupted views of the rolling hills in the distance.

Makaha Resort and Golf Club
William F. Bell designed this coarse on the island of Oahu in 1969. It has stood the test of time as one of the finest courses in the Hawaiian islands. This par 72 course holds a championship rating, and will challenge all of your golfing skills equally. The United States Golfing Association has rated it at 73.2, which means that pros and amateurs will need to bring their best games to compete here. It is unique in that it allows cart access for golfers and guests. The beauty of the view of the ocean from the course can’t be rivaled by any other golf course in the world.

Princeville Course
Kauai is home to the Hanalei Prince Course, which has been rated the best course in all of Hawaii, and the fifth best resort course in the world. Another Robert Trent Jones, Sr. design, Princeville is not an easy walk through beautiful scenery. This course will challenge even the most talented golfers. It carries a USGA rating of 75.3 for the par 72 course. Each hole offers five different tees that allow you to adjust the difficulty level, however, so amateurs can enjoy the course without taking a beating. They offer some of the widest range and best Hawaii tee times in the state. The Princeville clubhouse is also recognized worldwide for its luxurious accommodations.

There is no translation for the world “golf” in Spanish and there shouldn’t be. Spaniards have taken to the sport in the exact same way that Americans have and where are the best spots for playing? They are all found in a region of Spain famous for its courses, called Costa de la Luz. Which means the “coast of the light” and is not intended to taunt those afraid of the dark putts.

It’s the climate that makes golf in Spain so perfect. You can find a great variety of courses in this region. Costa de la Luz regularly hosts professional tournaments. Indeed sometimes joked about being the coast of golf, Costa de la Luz has become one of the best destinations for golfing and is getting renown for this. Lots of resorts are waiting for you in this part of sunny Spain.

Among this list we are including Montecastillo, also called Barcelo Montecastillo. Designed by Jack Nicklaus with extensive olive trees, one of the countries specialties, Montecastillo boast of hosting tournaments but is apt for the regular golfer as well.

Another of these resorts deserving mention is Elba Costa Ballena, which has an 18 hole course that lies at approximately a half mile from the beach. View of the Atlantic, anyone?

Islantilla boast of being included in Golf Digest’s 100 best golf destinations in Europe and it’s no wonder with its gorgeous trees surrounding the courses and it’s proximity to the sea that offers amazing cliff views, this makes for one incredible golfing experience.

El Rompido is yet another place that attracts golfing enthusiasts and serious players. Facing the Rio Piedras, it is located in a small fishing village. One of the two courses at El Rompido is bordered by a nature reserve, the other is bordered by beautiful pine and olive trees.

Vincci Resort Costa Golf and Vincci Canela are two more. Melia Santi Pietri is another, this one located among lakes and waterways.

Then there is Barcelo Costa Ballena’s Golf Hotel, whose entire reason for being is golf and spa and where the layout was made up by a Ryder Cup winner.

Clearly, a holiday in this beautiful region merits a good day out on the course, or several. Or maybe it’s the golf that will take you there and you’ll just happen to enjoy the amazing Spanish cocina. Whatever the case may be, bring your best clubs and a little sunscreen.

Golf fanatics in the southwestern United States are already aware of the number of high quality Arizona golf courses that are available in their region of the country. Players from other parts of the US might not know about some of the golf resort options in the state of Arizona so I’ve picked out three to highlight for you in this post.

Wigwam Resort
The Wigwam Resort has become legendary with its 331 rooms and vibrant landscaping. There are two massive pools and a fire pit perfect for socializing. There are fifty four holes of championship golf making this a top destination for golfers from all over the world. The Red Door Spa is a world class facility that offers relaxing massage and any other services that will leave you feeling pampered and rejuvenated. Red’s Steakhouse is a four diamond rated restaurant on the resort with a superb menu. There are resort packages deals available making this legendary resort accessible to everyone. The fragrant citrus groves and lush landscaping make this a desert oasis that will be the vacation of your dreams. There is no shortage of activities that can be found in close proximity to the resort making this a vacation that can easily accommodate any tastes.

Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa
The Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa is one of the world’s best known resorts. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, this resort has been called the “Jewel of the Desert” and gained a reputation for luxury. There are eight swimming pools, a fitness center, seven tennis courts, and a world class spa. Two eighteen hole PGA golf courses make this a perfect destination for golfers. There are several award winning dining choices available on the resort. The resort is located at the foot of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve and rests on thirty nine acres of flower filled grounds. This is a resort like no other that will create lasting memories and a much needed break from the world. This distinctive resort offers pampering like no other with some of the most beautiful golf courses in the world. The Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa is a destination that is incomparable, with beautiful design and many award winning amenities that make this resort stand part from all others.

Marriott Star Pass Resort
Marriott Star Pass Resort has been voted one of the top 100 golf resorts. The staff is among the best in golf resorts and the facilities are stunning. This is a golf experience that offers a true escape nestled in the mountains with traverse canyons, desert washes and ravines. The lush desert terrain offers a challenge for golfers with unmatched natural beauty. The spa offers full services that draw upon the healing properties of the desert. There are seven dining options that serve world class cuisine and a relaxing environment. This is a beautiful place to come and play and escape from the world. The resort made a twenty year commitment to preserving the natural beauty and the habitats of the local wild life. This is truly a resort like no other and offers all of the beauty of untouched nature with all of the conveniences of a world class golf resort. This is a stunning property with amazing views of the desert and the mountains with golfing experiences that will never be forgotten. Marriott Star Pass Resort is among the most sought after resorts in the world for it’s beauty and services making this a great choice for a vacation.

When you’re on vacation, or maybe just moved into a new neighborhood you aren’t familiar with, one of the first things an avid golfer inevitably ends up doing is wondering about the local golf courses. Luckily, for those golfers who are Internet savvy, there are sites like PublicGolfCourses.net that is one of the leading golf course finder destinations on the web. With the site, you can quickly find any public golf course in the United States.

Let’s say, for example, that you’re traveling to South Carolina on business and you’ve decided to take your golf clubs with you on the trip to hopefully get in a round or two during your free time. At PublicGolfCourses.net, you simply click on the link for South Carolina and you’re immediately presented with a list of cities in the state that have public golf courses. There’s listing for the most popular destinations in the state, like Myrtle Beach public golf courses to smaller, more obscure golf courses.

When you’ve chosen your city it’s time to browse the list of public golf courses. Each course has its own page of details including things like green fees, the current weather, satellite imagery of the course’s layout and more. The best part, hands down, are the user reviews. Golfers who have played at any course can post a review for future visitors to the site to read. This is a great way to avoid the bad courses and find the excellent ones.

A vacation in Spain would be incomplete without visiting one of the luxurious golf resorts. Stay a night or a week, you will not be disappointed. The beautiful weather ensures you can enjoy golfing year round in one of these luxury resorts.

La Manga
La Manga, in southeastern Spain, was a nominee for one of the world’s best luxury hotels in 2009. This resort is about 30 minutes away from Murcia. The resort includes 3 golf courses, 19 restaurants, a five star hotel, a luxury spa and a variety of athletic fields for your enjoyment.

The Principle Felipe La Manga hotel features luxurious rooms that include satellite TV, minibars, marble bathrooms, safe deposit boxes, air conditioning, wireless internet and beautiful views of the 1400 acre spread. 24 hour room service is available as well. The 2000 square foot luxury spa is one of the top spas in Spain.

The resort is an athlete’s paradise with all the amenities possible. There are 28 tennis courts and several other athletic activities offered: football, cricket, and rugby. There are junior activities for children to participate in as well. The resort also includes an indoor swimming pool.

The La Manga Club has three championship 18 hole golf courses for you to play. Golfers at any skill level will enjoy playing these courses. The courses are surrounded by majestic scenery and have been host to numerous golf competitions in the past several years.

La Cala Golf Resort
La Cala Golf Resort, located 20 minutes from Mirabella, is one of the most exclusive resorts in Spain. The 1,000 acre estate is located between Sierra de Mijas Natural Park and the Mediterranean Sea, on the Costa del Sol. The Malaga airport is just 30 minutes away, making it easily accessible.

The resort is small enough to maintain privacy but offers the ultimate in luxury resorts. There are villas and apartments for sale, as well as a luxury hotel and spa. The hotel has 107 rooms and suites that are exquisitely decorated and boast many modern conveniences. The rooms have magnificent views of the golf courses and surrounding beauty.

The golf courses were designed by Cabell Robinson and provide a challenging game. The La Cala Resort has a clubhouse and spa for unwinding after a long day of golf. The CaraCala spa offers several soothing treatments for your relaxation. The resort also has an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi and a gymnasium along with many other activities to keep you entertained.

For some people, Las Vegas might mean craps, blackjack, and entertaining shows. For others, Las Vegas is a paradise of bunkers, greens, and fairways. Golf is a big deal in Las Vegas, and that figures since there are a lot of corporate outings held in the city. There are tons of golf courses around the city, and only a couple right in the middle of the Las Vegas strip area. If you are coming to Las Vegas when it’s a little bit cooler, then golf most certainly must be on the docket. So what are the best courses to play when you come to Las Vegas? It depends upon your means, but here are some choices.

Wynn Golf Club
The Wynn Resort is the best property in Las Vegas, and that’s because they offer much more than just great rooms. Steve Wynn took great pains to put together a comprehensive resort, and his golf course is an extension of that. Since the Wynn was built on the site of the old Desert Inn, the golf course, too, is a remake of the Desert Inn’s old course. It’s much nicer, of course, and provides players with an excellent view of the strip while playing the course.

The Wynn Course was designed by Tom Fazio, and its layout is typical of its designer. No two holes look alike and there are plenty of undulations on the fairways and greens. Fazio designs are typically meant to cause players to think on every single shot. That is true of the Wynn Course, as there are challenges from the tee to the green. Considering how hot Las Vegas gets during the summer, the course upkeep is actually quite remarkable. They do a good job of keeping the area lush, so it not only looks good, but plays true, as well.

This course is expensive, but it’s well worth the money if you have the means to make it happen. It’s difficult to get a tee time at the Wynn, but they provide some of the best amenities in all of Las Vegas. The caddies are great, the sight lines are impressive, and the course will undoubtedly be one of the best that you’ve played.

Shadow Creek Golf Course
Shadow Creek is another one of the high end Vegas courses, but this one is a little bit out of the way. You’ll have to travel to North Las Vegas, but when you get there, the course is worth your time. It, too, is a Tom Fazio design and this one clocks in at just over 7,500 yards from the very back.

It is a par 72 and plays quite long. One of the things that people remark about this course is that it’s quite challenging. The greens are fast, the rough is relatively long, and the layout makes players use all of their clubs and all of their skills. This is a true Fazio course, meaning that it will reward players who understand how to shape their shots both ways.

Shadow Creek is a public course, which makes it quite popular during pretty much every season. Players wanting to get on will need to make tee times far in advance, as this course stays pretty full throughout the year.

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