Linda's Top Ten/ Myrtle Beach

I thought I would take a different approach to the typical "Top Ten" list...

Top 5 Stay & Play Resorts:

1. Barefoot Resort

This resort is located in North Myrtle Beach and has four fantastic courses on site: The Love, Fazio, Norman, and Dye. There are Villas overlooking the courses and Towers overlooking the Intercoastal Waterway. The lodging varies from 1-4 bedrooms and are all designed to accommodate golfers. This area has a great nightlife, including the House of Blues if you want to catch a great concert!

2. Legends Resort

Legends Resort is located in Central Myrtle Beach, and is close to everything. They have 3 great courses on site: Heathland, Parkland, and Moorland. The resort has a Scottish theme with 1-3 bedroom villas.

3. Myrtlewood Resort

They have 2 great courses on site: Pinehills & Palmetto. There are nicely appointed 1-3 bedroom villas close to Broadway @ The Beach. Pinelakes' "The Grandaddy" is the oldest course down here, and is just accross the street.

4. Sea Trail Resort

Sea Trail has 3 great courses on site: The Jones, The Byrd, and The Maples. The resort has 1-4 bedroom villas. It is located in the quaint town of Sunset Beach, NC which is only 30 minutes from North Myrtle Beach.

5. True Blue Resort

This resort is located at True Blue golf course. Caledonia (my favorite) and Heritage golf courses are right across from the resort in Pawleys Island. This is a quieter side of town, but it's close to Murrels Inlet which is the seafood capitol. There are a lot of great restaurants and bars on the waterfront.

Restaurants

1. Greg Norman's Australian Grille

I want to start off with WOW! This is truly my # 1 Favorite Eatery. The atmosphere, the food, and the view are outstanding; 4 star all the way!

2. Luigis Tratoria

This restaruant is real Italian all the way. Even the pasta noodles are homemade. I have had the best Italian food here, and being from New York, I guess you could say that I am a snob when it comes to Italian food. Save room for the Cannolis, they are yummy!

3. Collectors Cafe

This Cafe has a very artsy atmosphere. It is decorated with paintings from local artists which are also for sale. The food and service are excellent. It is a true dining experience.

4. Thoroughbreds Chop House

If you love steak, this is the place for you. A nice atmosphere, an extensive wine list, and great service make this restaurant excellent. Hint: try the Coffee Ground Encrusted Filet; it will knock your socks off!!

5. Hamburger Joes

Ok, so far I have basically talked about fine dining. Well, if your in the mood for a burger and a beer, then this is the spot. Hamburger Joes is a favorite for golfers to kick back and enjoy. They have the best burgers on the Beach, and $1.00 drafts all day long. Dollar Bills cover the walls with patrons notes on them; mine is right by the front door. Say hi to Alan the manager, and tell him Linda sent you.

Orlando Named 2010 Top North American Golf Destination by International Golf Association

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando has been voted “North American Golf Destination of the Year 2010” by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO), it was announced in Malaga, Spain at the annual international awards ceremony for the golf tourism industry. The event was widely covered by print, online and broadcast media including CNN International, ESPN Star Sports Asia and the Golf Channel.

IAGTO Chief Executive Officer Peter Walton said, “This is outstanding recognition for an aspect of the Orlando experience that is outside of its world-renowned theme parks. This award acknowledges not only the quality of the golf offerings in Orlando but the service provided to golfers and tour operators worldwide. With this award, our members recognize that Orlando has achieved a winning combination for golfers worldwide.”

“Orlando is well-known for its theme park thrills off the course – it’s very exciting to see that we are now becoming known for our thrills on the course,” said Gary C. Sain, president and CEO of the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. “With 177 golf courses providing every type and level of golf experience, we like to say that Orlando is golf’s ultimate theme park. We are honored to have this prestigious award from IAGTO and the acknowledgment from its members for the efforts we have put in to developing our vast golf offerings from our award-winning golf courses, to our top golf instructors and the acclaimed professional events we host every year. ”

The selection for winning destinations is made through votes cast by over 300 golf tour operators from 50 countries who consider customer satisfaction; quality of golf courses and accommodation; value for money; support from suppliers, tourist boards and airlines; professional conduct of suppliers; and accessibility to tee times. North American finalist destinations nominated for the award included Hawaii, Miami, Fla. and Palm Beach Fla.

You can contact me at 888.333.6103 or email me at glen@golfzoo.com to discuss golf packages in Orlando, or anywhere else in Florida.

Ultimate Golf Homes only way to go in Scottsdale...

Condos? Hotel rooms? Gimme a break.

If you have a group of 6-12 golfers and are planning a golf trip to Scottsdale this year, stay somewhere truly memorable in one of our three Ultimate Private Golf Homes in Fountain Hills, just east of Scottsdale. They are different than any private homes you've ever stayed in on a golf trip. Period.

We opened our first home, The Estate, four years ago, and it became so popular that our owners have since purchased and Lori and I outfitted two more - The Oasis, and most recently, The Clubhouse. These homes were purchased and designed with certain things in mind - give larger groups of golfers something luxurious, convenient, affordable, and loaded with the amenities or "goodies" that make a golf trip a spectacular event.

All three properties will sleep up to 12 individual golfers and are loaded with the goodies that make it the perfect spot for a group event. Here are a few features that make each home the perfect venue:

• 12 individual beds (who wants to sleep on a pull-out sofabed?)
• Private Pools
• Private Jacuzzis
• Big-Screen TVs
• Pool Tables
• Poker Tables
• Ping Pong Tables
• Lighted putting greens at Oasis and Clubhouse
• Fully stocked kitchens with all cooking utensils and linens
• Wireless Internet at no charge

All three homes are located in Fountain Hills and are surrounded by world-class golf. We-Ko-Pa (Cholla and Saguro), SunRidge Canyon, Eagle Mountain, and Desert Canyon are all less than a six-minute drive from any of the homes, making for a no-hassle golf week when it comes to getting around. Here is a little more info on each property:

The Estate is a Five-bedroom, Two-story home just off Shea Blvd. and is the most "open" floor plan of the three. Upstairs is the kitchen, living room with a 52" big screen TV, poker room, and Two bedrooms, but you'll spend most of your time on the elevated back deck, which is literally built into the side of a mountain, with a huge desert wash behind. The dramatic desert views off the large back deck is the signature feature of The Estate. The back patio - complete with a propane grill - is the perfect spot for grilling steaks, having a cocktail, and puffing a cigar. The pool has a waterfall, and it's great to sit in the jacuzzi overlooking the desert wash. Downstairs you have another 50" big-screen TV just off the pool table room plus three more bedrooms. This home is unique in that it has two separate garages, so we put a Ping Pong table in the downstairs garage leading out to the pool and jacuzzi.

The Oasis is a six-bedroom, two-story home just off Shea and Saguro and is the largest property of the three. Also, two of the three bedrooms upstairs are configured with one bed only, so if you have snorers, you can lock them away in their own rooms. The best feature of The Oasis is the backyard. It has a huge pool, an observation deck with table and chairs over the jacuzzi, which is perfect for cards, cigars, etc, as well as a brand-new 900 square foot putting green, horseshoe pit, and basketball court. The Oasis sports a 52" big-screen TV in the living room as well as smaller TVs all throughout the house. The pool table room is huge, with both a professional pool table and poker table in the corner. The Ping Pong table on the back patio poolside make this the best backyard of the three properties.

The Clubhouse is the newest of Golf Zoo's trio. It overlooks the par-four 10th fairway at Desert Canyon, so don't be surprised to find a couple Pro-V1s at the bottom of the pool. Its unique feature is that it has golf course views from both the back yard and the elevated deck on the front of the house. The Clubhouse sports a few upgrades over The Estate and The Oasis in that there are high definition plasma TVs mounted in the living room and poker room, along with picnic tables, a private jacuzzi (you can sit in the jacuzzi and heckle the the golfers on #10), as well as the putting green all right there poolside. There is a good picture of the back yard looking out over the 10th fairway on a recent special we sent out. It's got a huge tandem four-car garage, so naturally we set up a Ping Pong table and a dart board. Many of my clients have said more money changed hands in the Ping Pong tournament than did on the 18th green...

All three of these properties are priced the same and are much more affordable than you would think. In peak season (January - April) it will cost between $75 - $125 per golfer per day, and in off-season will be as little as $50.00 per golfer per day. When you look at the average price of any resort (minimum $200 per night in season for a double-occupancy hotel room), it's a total no-brainer.

We are currently offering two really, really good stay and play specials for any of the three private estate homes paired with great tracks like We-Ko-Pa, Troon North, TPC Stadium, Eagle Mountain, SunRidge Canyon, Sanctuary and others, so call Chris Parcell (888.867.6911) or Lori Greene (888.867.6921) in our Scottsdale offices for more information and we will email you a full itinerary with pricing.

Ready for something completely different? Let the games begin...

Craig’s “Top Ten” Golf Courses in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Interested in a golf trip to Myrtle Beach but overwhelmed with the number of courses to choose from? Here is my list of the top ten must plays in Myrtle. This does not take into account price point or best values, just my favorite tracks considering layout, scenery, conditioning and service. 

1. The Dunes Golf and Beach Club- My absolute favorite course in town. This is one of the originals in Myrtle designed by Robert Trent Jones in 1948. Great views of the ocean, marshlands, inlet, and the best course conditions around. Just a super facility. 

2. Caledonia- Beautiful! It is a fair test of golf and at the same time one of the most scenic plantation style courses in the country. I just love the huge live oak trees lining the fairways with the Spanish moss draping down. Course conditions are always top notch and could be my favorite in town except for hole #9 is a bit of a disappointment when compared to the other 17 holes. 

3. King’s North- In a word FUN. I love risk reward holes and Arnold Palmer gives you plenty of chances on this course. Par five with an island fairway (always go for it because if it does not stay on the island your still hitting 3 into the green) island green par 3, drivable par 4, oh and number 18 has 100 plus bunkers on that hole alone! 

4. Tigers Eye- “Top 100 Public Courses” by Golf Digest and for good reason. Not your typical beach course, as there are some nice elevation changes and Tim Cate did a great job of carving the course out of the pines. I love the large boulders lining all of the ponds. 

5. Rivers Edge- Best value around if your willing to drive. You have a 45 minute hike even if your staying in North Myrtle but you won’t want to miss this track. Arnold Palmer was lucky to have a gorgeous piece of property to work with, that offers spectacular views overlooking the inlet and bluffs in Shallotte. Numbers 9 and 18 are two of my all time favorite holes. 

6. TPC of Myrtle Beach- One of my good friends best described this course as “the enchanted forest.” The land to start with did not have the wow factor that some of the other area courses offer but this is one of the best layouts around. 18 super holes of golf designed by Mr. Fazio which until recently had zero homes on the course but even with the new construction you still see very few home sites as you travel around. 

7. Tidewater- A North Myrtle Beach gem. Great mix of holes that run between the towering pines and then before you know it, your looking out over the marsh with the ocean in the background. There are so many holes that would be “the signature hole” on almost any other golf course.

8. Barefoot Love- I had a hard time choosing just one course at Barefoot as they are all great. Given my choice though I always go with the Love. The staff keeps the course in fantastic shape, and I just love the old ruins which gives the course great character. Well designed course and a great clubhouse to come back to have a beer and hang out with the guys….or gals. 

9. Grande Dunes- Come test that new driver! Just a mere 7,600 yards from the tips….strongly suggest avoiding playing it all the way back on windy days. Driver then three-wood gets old after a while…… I will say they have several tee boxes to choose from which make this a far less demanding golf course. Grande Dunes has the most upscale feel of all the area courses from the second you pull up to the bag drop and its in a great location.

10. Pawleys Plantation- I love what Jack Nicholas did with this golf course…well all except for the little 100 yard par three out over the marsh….that hole gets me every time. He too had a great piece of property to work with offering fantastic inlet views….my wife and I loved it so much we even had our wedding there. No doubt it is a challenging golf course but what a great place to spend a day. 

If you have questions on these or any other courses in town give me a call at 888.333.6079. 

Winter Golf Packages in Florida II - Orlando

Here is the follow up to my first post on Winter Golf Packages in Florida. I will mention more details on resorts and courses in the different areas

Orlando, Florida:

This is the best and biggest bang for your buck, when planning winter golf packages. As I mentioned earlier, the lodging (Villa's, Condo's and Homes) is inexpensive. Here are a couple of my recommendations for lodging choices - Magical Memories and Orlando Estates, both on our website. Next level choices would be Grand Beach Resort and Sheraton Vistana Villa's and Vistana Resort. Finally the high end resorts with Villa's and lodging on site - Reunion Resort (villa's and homes), Grand Cypress (villa's), Champions Gate (hotel rooms and villa's) and Orange County National (hotel rooms). Reunion Resort is the only one of these resorts that require you to stay on property in order to play there.

Here are my thoughts and recommendations of the courses:

Multiple course facilities:

Disney - 72 holes. Palm/Magnolia (PGA Tour event), out of same club house. Lake Buena Vista and Osprey Ridge have their own clubhouse.
Reunion Resort - 54 holes, upscale (Palmer, Watson and Nicklaus design)
Grand Cypress - 45 holes, upscale (Nicklaus design)
Champions Gate - 36 holes, upscale (Greg Norman design)
Orange County National - 36 holes, upscale (PGA Tour final stage of qualifying school)
Orange Lake Resort - 36 holes, less expensive (Legends course designed by Arnold Palmer).
Mission Inn - 36 holes, less expensive (30 minutes north of Orlando, lodging on site)
Stonegate at Solivita - 36 holes, less expensive

Other top end courses:

Bella Collina, 50 million $ clubhouse, Nick Faldo design
Shingle Creek - Close to airport
Harmony Golf Preserve - Great bang for buck, little bit of a drive
Celebration
Falcons Fire
Southern Dunes - Rated high in state of Florida
Metrowest
Eagle Creek - Close to airport
Sugarloaf Mtn. - Not typical Florida course, elevation changes
Victoria Hills - Great bang for buck, 1 hour drive
Providence GC - Well priced

Next level courses:

Legends Golf and CC
Diamondback
North Shore
Forest Lake
Hunters Creek
Royal St. Cloud
Remington
Ridgewood Lakes


To keep from having too long of a post, I will limit each one to a specific area in Florida. In the meantime, please feel free to email me - glen@golfzoo.com or call me with any questions or help - 888.333.6103.

"CP's Top Ten" for Scottsdale - Fall, 2009!

Planning a trip to Scottsdale this winter? Here is my opinion on the best 10 choices when it comes to golf here in the Valley of the Sun. I chose my Top Ten based on these (what I consider to be the most important) factors:

• Layout
• Playability
• Scenery
• Service

Remember when reading this that I'm pretty much a hack. I'm about a 14 handicapper, so I'm not what you would call a golf "purist" when it comes to course design, etc. You'll never see me on the practice range hitting 3 irons. (Do I own a three iron?)

I tee it up to have fun, take in the scenery, and hopefully take some of my buddies' pocket change. If you're of the same persuasion, this Top Ten list is for you.

Here we go:

1. Gold Canyon - Dinosaur Mountain - still my all-time favorite. It's about a 40-minute drive from Old Town Scottsdale, but well worth it. The dramatic elevation changes, fantastic scenery, and interesting layout make this the best spot in Arizona.
   
2. The Golf Club at Eagle Mountain - Probably the best staff and friendliest environment in all of Scottsdale - I'm also a Scott Miller fan - lots of elevation changes, and bowl-shaped fairways where a hack like me will get a few forgiving bounces now and then.
3. SunRidge Canyon Golf Club - Somewhat brutal at times, but one of the more interesting hole-by-hole tracks. Also has the best 3 finishing holes in Arizona - three-shot par 5, then a ridiculous par 3 over the canyon shot of 220 that you're supposed to STOP on a dime. Yeah right. #18 is a wicked dog leg left par 4 up the hill to finish out one of the tougher back nines in Arizona. "We made it! I need a cocktail stat!"
4. We-Ko-Pa Golf Club - Cholla Course - Another Scott Miller gem. You definitely have to think your way around this course, and Cholla (and Saguro) are very unique in that they're built on an Indian reservation, so there are ZERO HOMES anywhere on the golf course. Makes for scenery that's tough to beat. Only drawback is that it is typically cart path only, so be prepared to do some walking. It's worth it.
5. Grayhawk Golf Club - Talon Course - The Raptor course is where they host the PGA Tour's Frys.com Open, but I have always preferred the tamer sister course, Talon. It's a little more forgiving off the tee, and #17 is an island par 3 - kind of a "Mini 17th at Sawgrass" - great hole for gambling. (It's only a 9 iron, or a big wedge...) Also, Phil's Grill is one of my all time favorite places to enjoy a couple dozen cocktails after Grayhawk whips me into submission.
6. TPC Stadium Course - Home to the PGA Tour's FBR Open. Yeah sure, I agree that by itself the golf course is a little overrated, but what can I say - it's fun to play where the pros play, and after watching the tournament on TV, you'll want to get it in. The last 4 holes are the reason you pay what you do, ($250+ in peak season) and they are as fun to play as they are to watch. Service in all aspects is exceptional, and the restaurant is one of the best in Arizona to have a nice breakfast.
7. Troon North - Pinnacle Course - The atmosphere in the clubhouse is a little stuffy, but I play this one at least once a year for one reason - the greens are the best in Arizona. Both Troon courses (Pinnacle and Monument) are extremely difficult for me, but the putting surfaces are simply perfect in the winter - fast and brutal. Lots of fun, and a few 3 or 4 puts along the way...
8. Rancho Manana Golf Club - This one is more my speed. I can play Rancho from the tips, and rarely have anything more than a 7 iron in on the par 4s. But don't be fooled by the relatively short length. This one is tricky. Rancho is just north of Scottsdale, in Cave Creek, where it's very mountainous, and I'm simply an elevation change junkie. One of the more scenic courses, and the Tonto grill would be in my all time Top 5 restaurants. Great staff - very laid back.
9. Ocotillo Golf Club - Ocotillo cracked into my Top Ten this year, replacing The Raven at South Mountain. Although I still love the Raven, for something a little different, and a more traditional feel, Ocotillo is my new favorite. With 3 distinct 9's, great conditions, and maybe the best spot in Arizona to have lunch after your round, you can't go wrong. Another advantage (or disadvantage) is that there is a lot of water which sets in apart from most of the dry, desert layouts here. The staff is laid back and friendly, and make time for lunch afterwards. Sit outside on the patio, listen to the waterfalls, and enjoy.
10. The Arizona Grand Golf Club - Formerly known as "Phantom Horse," Arizona Grand gives you a little of everything. Some traditional holes, and some great target golf as well. It's been under renovation all summer and promises to be one of the valley's newest "up and comers." Have dinner and drinks at Rustler's Rooste just up the hill after your round. The finishing hole is a par 3 which you don't see often, and what a par 3 it is. 180 yards from the middle tees, but only requires an 8 iron for me because of the dramatic elevation drop. This is also good for day in / day out golf, as it's a quick 10 minutes from the airport.

O.K. gang - there it is - "CP's Top Ten" - If you're planning a trip to Arizona this year, you can't go wrong with any of these great venues.

Winter Golf Packages in Florida

It's the time of year to start thinking about getting out of the Snow and Cold, and playing golf in Florida - SUNSHINE AND WARMTH. I will try and break down our destinations individually, and give suggestions on where to go.

By far, Orlando is one of Golf Zoo's top destination in the Winter. A couple of the reasons for this are lodging and quality golf. The most reasonable lodging choices area Villa's, Condo's and Homes. These are all very inexpensive, and you can have it so each guy has his own room. Most all these properties are located in the SW Orlando, within 30 minutes of all the top courses. As far as the golf - there are at least 30 courses in the area that are all rated 4 - 4 1/2 stars by Golf Digest and all ranked high in the state. Most guys that come in on golf packages from the North; love to get as much golf in as possible, during their stay. Orlando definitely can handle the multiple day rounds for the guys. There are 8 multiple course facilities in the area and all very good. Winter packages for Orlando as the rest of Florida are considered peak season. Golf can range from $75 a round to $175, and some of the lower priced courses are as good as the higher priced ones - discuss this with you Golf Vacation Specialist.

I will break down the other popular areas of Florida and offer advice and insight.

Tampa, Florida:

This area is 70 miles SW of Orlando and located on the Gulf of Mexico. This area has numerous courses, that include 5 multiple course facilities. One of the things about Tampa, is that driving to courses may take some time - due to the fact that they are spread out. Some of the best facilities in the area are anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes from Tampa. There are some lodging choices that offer villa's, but most of the choices will be hotel rooms. A lot of guys going on these golf trips, like to have some nightlife options, especially adult entertainment. Tampa has some of the best adult entertainment in the state.

Jacksonville, Florida:

This area is located in the NE part of the state. During the winter months, Jacksonville can be a little cooler than the rest of the state - but still a lot warmer than the NE United States. Jacksonville has 4 major resort type properties, all offering multiple courses and multiple lodging choices. These all are very good, but can be a little pricey. There are probably another 10 - 12 good public courses in the area. Jacksonville's other lodging, not resorts will be hotel rooms. The area is also located on the ocean. The pace in Jacksonville is a little slower than the other areas and a little more laid back.

Port St. Lucie, Florida:

This area is located 45 minutes north of W. Palm and about 90 minutes SE of Orlando. There are not a lot of courses in the area, about a half dozen. One facility they have is PGA Village - lodging and 54 holes on site. This is a very nice facility. This is more a golf only type trip, not a lot of nightlife in the area - but very good golf. Closest airport is 45 minutes away, in W. Palm Beach.

Ft. Lauderdale/Miami, Florida:

I put these two areas together, because they are basically 30 - 45 minutes apart. The lodging in these areas will mainly be hotels. Of the two areas, Ft. Lauderdale has more golf courses to choose from. There are 4 multiple course facilities Ft. Lauderdale area and 2 in the Miami area. One of the most famous multiple course facilities in Miami, is Doral Resort and Spa. The resort has 5 golf courses on site. The stay and play packages are not cheap, but it's a nice resort. There are only another 4- 6 courses in the Miami area. Getting around in South Florida can be tough, a lot of traffic. I don't consider South Florida on of the top destinations in the state, for a couple of reasons - not a lot of course choices, especially quality and more expensive than what you pay for. The weather in South Florida can be warmer than the rest of the state. There is great night life in both Ft. Lauderdale and Miami (South Beach). If you want to be able to play good golf, enjoy the nightlife and spend more money - then South Florida is a good choice.

W. Palm Beach, Florida:

Palm Beach area is very nice and upscale. There are only a few top public courses in the area. The main draw is PGA Resort and Spa. This is a very nice resort and you have to stay there in order to play there. There are 5 courses on site - 2 of the courses are very good, the other 3 are average. If you want to be able to go somewhere and enjoy a resort and have all the golf - this is a good choice. Keep in mind, it is again not cheap.

Naples/Ft. Myers, Florida:

This area is located about 2 hours south of Tampa. This is located on the West Coast and has very nice weather. Majority of lodging choices are resorts and hotels, not very many condos or villas. The golf in this area, especially Naples - is very good and quite expensive. The Naples area is also know as Gods waiting room. You will enjoy going here for nice lodging a very good golf - again, you will pay top $$$ for these packages.


I hope this brief synopsis offers some insight on putting together a golf package in Florida, during the winter months. Your best bet is to discuss this with your golf vacation specialist (www.golfzoo.com). We just don't live here in Florida, we have been to the resorts or played most all the courses we sell. The best thing about using a golf package company to plan your trip is ease of planning. We do everything for you - your group just comes down and enjoy. Check out our website - www.golfzoo.com, and all the hot deals we have for the winter months. Feel free to call me anytime - 888.333.6103 to discuss your needs.

I will follow up with another post with some more details on the areas - mainly the courses and resorts. Until then...

Cowboy Steak Rub

More all star sizzlers from Lori's kitchen.
Here's a great Tex-Mex inspired rub, excellent on Ribeye Steaks:

Ingredients:

1/4 C Ancho chili powder or chili powder
2 T Paprika
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 t salt
1 t coarsely ground black pepper
2 T olive oil
4 10-12 oz. beef ribeye steaks, cut 1" thick
Snipped fresh parsley

Preparation:
For spice rub, combine in a small bowl chili powder, paprika, garlic, salt and pepper. Stir in olive oil to make a paste which will cling to meat.( I added a bit more oil to get the right consistency)
Trim fat from meat and coat both sides of steak with spice rub.
Wrap steaks tightly with spice rub and refrigerate for at least 1 hour

Grill to your hearts desire and sprinkle with parsley

YEEHAW

The Scientific Way to Determine the Best Golf Ball for You

Nearly a year ago, we told you about GolfBallSelector.com, which will, in less than 15 minutes and for less than you’ll pay for a sleeve of premium golf balls, identify the best golf ball for your game.

You may recall how this works: the researchers at GolfBallSelector.com test and measure the performance characteristics of virtually every ball on the market, then compare this data with information you supply about your game via a 15-question “fitting session.”

The result is a scientific (i.e. objective) list of the five best golf balls for you, those that will likely improve your distance, accuracy, feel…or all three.

Today’s tip is merely a follow up to let you know about two very cool developments.

First, the guys in the lab have gone out and tested about a dozen more golf balls; new ones from 2008 and 2009, bringing their database up to more than 60 models from all the major manufacturers. The list, which I saw over at mygolfspy.com, now includes:
continued...


by Craig Better of golfvacationinsider.com

GOLFERS ONLY- NO ONE ELSE WILL UNDERSTAND

Don't buy a putter until you've had a chance to throw it.

Never try to keep more than 300 separate thoughts in your mind during your swing.

When your shot has to carry over a water hazard, you can either hit one more club or two more balls.

If you're afraid a full shot might reach the green while the foursome ahead of you is still putting out, you have two options: you can immediately shank a lay-up or you can wait until the green is clear and top a ball halfway there..

The less skilled the player, the more likely he is to share his ideas about the golf swing.

No matter how bad you are playing, it is always possible to play worse.

The inevitable result of any golf lesson is the instant elimination of the one critical unconscious motion that allowed you to compensate for all of your many other errors

Everyone replaces his divot after a perfect approach shot.

A golf match is a test of your skill against your opponents' luck.

It is surprisingly easy to hole a fifty foot putt....For a 10.

Counting on your opponent to inform you when he breaks a rule is like expecting him to make fun of his own haircut.

Nonchalant putts count the same as chalant putts

It's not a gimme if you're still away.

The shortest distance between any two points on a golf course is a straight line that passes directly through the center of a very large tree.

You can hit a two acre fairway 10% of the time and a two inch branch 90% of the time.

If you really want to get better at golf, go back and take it up at a much earlier age.

Since bad shots come in groups of three, a fourth bad shot is actually the beginning of the next group of three.

When you look up, causing an awful shot, you will always look down again at exactly the moment when you ought to start watching the ball if you ever want to see it again.

Every time a golfer makes a birdie, he must subsequently make two triple bogeys to restore the fundamental equilibrium of the universe.