Barton Creek - The Ultimate Austin Stay and Play!

I miss Texas.

Having grown up in Austin, I couldn't wait to get back home for the first time in 15 years to check out the #1 rated Golf Resort in Texas - Barton Creek Golf Resort and Spa. Was disappointed when we didn't fly over the State Capital on our descent into Austin, and then remembered that the Robert Mueller airport had been replaced by Bergstrom some 7 years ago! It's been a while...

I had forgotten about the topography of the Hill Country. Driving down Bee Caves Road reminded me alot of Fountain Hills, here in east Scottsdale. Windy roads let to the hilltop resort which you could see for miles in the distance. Valet parking and check in at Barton Creek was fast, efficient, and pleasant. The bellman had my bags at my "Resort Guest Room" in a matter of 5 minutes which was a nice surprise, as I find you often wait 20 minutes at some full service resorts. They also had a fresh ice bucket waiting for me. How do they do that?

The "Resort Guest Room" at Barton Creek is spacious, very nicely decorated, and has all the amenities you would want - my room was facing the back of the resort, and had a small balcony with a truly incredible view of the pool area, #18 on the Fazio Foothills course, and the rolling countryside of Barton Creek. Went down to the lobby bar "Jim Bob's" and had a late dinner - very cozy little dark bar with a decent menu at 10:00 pm.

First up was the Palmer Lakeside Course, about a 25 minute drive from the resort. Built in 1986 by the King, I enjoyed the fact that the fairways were fairly generous, and the rough was mowed relatively short - this seemed to be the most forgiving of the four courses, and had some of the best par 3's. The most dramatic hole was #11, a 201 yard par 3 with a huge waterfall in the background. Terrific views of Lake Travis and mesquite tree lined fairways make this the perfect start to your weekend. Nice job Arnie.

The afternoon round was onsite at the resort on the Crenshaw Cliffside course. #1, a short par 4 of 358 had a great view of the resort from the fairway, and resulted in a rare birdie. I always liked Ben. #10, a brutal, skinny par 4 of 455 yards produced a double bogey. I never liked that Crenshaw guy. I thought the back nine was certainly more dramatic than the front, and the #17 142 yard par 3 was stunning - downhill and downwind was a great way to finish. Back nine was really, really great stuff.

Next up was the Fazio Canyon's course on Friday morning. The Canyon's course is typically rated just behind the Fazio Foothills course on most rankings, but I thought the Canyon's was clearly the best of the four at Barton Creek. Surrounded it seemed like on all sides by hilltop mansions, it was visually stunning from start to finish. The approach shot on the par 5 #10 hole reminded me alot of the approach shot on We-Ko-Pa's famed #8, and dramatic elevation changes from tee to greens in my mind made this the clear winner. I thought just about every hole was a "signature hole" - fantastic. The 18th hole, a downhill par 5 I thought was the most dramatic hole. This course would be in my all time Top 5. In a word? Wow.

Last up was the #1 ranked Fazio Foothills course. I should have quit while I was ahead. The architect boasts on his website that it "puts a premium on long, accurate drives down the hybrid TIFsport bermuda fairways, and small undulating TIFFeagle greens makes this a shotmakers paradise." Being a 14 handicapper, long accurate drives and shotmaking are not my specialty. Although I managed to put up a pathetic 97, the Foothills course was clearly the best option for a golfer that could hit driver / 3 irons all day and be happy. #10 a 424 yard par 4 is an awesome start to an incredible back nine, with 3 of the best finishing holes anywhere. In two words??? Look out.

Being from Scottsdale, I'm spoiled when it comes to golf, but I have to say that I was blown away and just how good the golf was at all four courses. Here's how I ranked them:

1. Fazio Canyons - Dramatic elevation changes and scenery made this #1.
2. Fazio Foothills - 3 of the best finishing holes anywhere, and brutal - bring a dozen Pro V-1's.
3. Palmer Lakeside - Easy and breezy. Great views of Lake Travis.
4. Crenshaw Cliffside - Front nine? O.K. Back nine? Phenomenal.

If you're thinking about an Austin Stay and Play, Barton Creek is world class. Don't bother going anywhere else. Click here for an Unlimited Golf Stay and Play from June 22nd through September 6, where you can stay at the Four Diamond Barton Creek Resort, have an awesome hot and cold buffet breakfast every morning at the Hill County Dining Room, and play unlimited golf for $239.95 per person per day.

P.S. Don't mess with Texas.

Why Off-Resort Dining is Usually the Better Option for Golf Vacations

Golf Odyssey readers know that my editors and I work hard to identify the best places to dine at each golf vacation destination we visit. Before you roll your eyes, know that we have to endure plenty of bad restaurants in order to find the standouts, and we have the Pepto supply to prove it.

What we've found is that, save for a few exceptions (the Tap Room at Pebble Beach immediately comes to mind), the best dining choices are almost always located off resort grounds. As I recently learned from the CEO of a major hospitality company, the reason for this is pretty simple.

If you run a restaurant (and it doesn't matter if you are a single proprietor or part of a chain), you come to work every day focused on one thing: the restaurant business.

Now, contrast that mindset with that of the hotel manager. He or she needs to worry about filling hotel rooms and booking meetings and events. The accompanying food and beverage operation may consist of several restaurants, plus banquets and room service. And we haven't even touched upon other aspects at larger resorts, such as the golf courses, spas and other amenities that take care, feeding and attention.

So, if you find yourself on a golf vacation and have to make a choice between dining on- or off a resort property, the rule-of-thumb above should prove useful. There are exceptions, of course, and we applaud the recent trend of established restaurateurs setting up shop inside hotels. Continued...

By David Baum of golfvacationinsider.com.

Local Knowledge on Myrtle Beach Flights

Having Trouble Finding a Cheap Flight into Myrtle Beach?

Everyone knows Myrtle Beach is one of the top golf destinations in the World but finding reasonable airfare can be a challenge.

If you are staying in central Myrtle or in the south end of town you will want to fly directly into Myrtle Beach International (MYR).  I suggest checking out Spirit Air and Myrtle Beach Direct Air as they typically offer the best prices. 

If you are staying in the north end of the Grand Strand still look at using MYR but also consider Wilmington International (ILM).  It is about an hour drive but many times is less expensive the flying directly into MYR.

Spirit Air is constantly changing out their specials and it is not uncommon to find a flight for $9 each way.  If you need any other local knowledge on Myrtle Beach give one of our Golf Vacation Specialists a call at 888.765.0809.    

East Coast vs. West Coast - 2 Unbeatable deals

Whether you're heading to either coast, you won't beat these two Stay and Play deals. Period. End o story.

The first is the Stay and Play at TPC Sawgrass. Admit it. We have all watched for years, and wonder how we would fare coming down the stretch on the back nine at TPC Sawgrass. Would we hit a "hard nine" or a "smooth 8" at the infamous, dreaded, and fantastic 17th hole? I think you'll have to do a $20.00 closest to the pin contest with your buddies to do it right. Double money for birdies, and double money for 3 putt bogeys. Quit stalling and hit it.

Anyway, you can travel between May 22nd through September 11th for $199 per person per day for lodging right there at the Sawgrass Marriott, 2 rounds on the Valley course, and a round on the TPC Stadium course. This one's a no-brainer. (It's typically over $200 for the round at TPC Stadium ALONE.)
Call Glen or Tom in our Florida office to book this gem.


If Scottsdale is on the menu, then look no further than the Arizona Grand Stay and Play. This is a four star full service resort in a great location with great amenities, and golf that's second to none.

From now until June 1st (and even less expensive after 6/1) you can stay at the Arizona Grand and play early afternoon rounds (with PLENTY OF TIME TO FINISH) at:

• The Arizona Grand Golf Club
• The Golf Club at Eagle Mountain
• SunRidge Canyon Golf Club
• Ocotillo Golf Club

all for $159.95 per person per day. That includes everything. All Suite rooms, resort fees, green fees, cart fees, taxes - you're "all in" for $159.95. Again, a total no-brainer. Call Chris or Lori in our Phoenix/Scottsdale office!

Market Common Rocks!!!

The Market Common opened in April 2008. It has stylish shops and fabulous eateries, such as PF Changs and Tommy Bahama with outdoor seating - great for people watching.  With luxury apartments above all the shops, it's like an Urban Wonderland right here in Myrtle Beach! 

On my most recent visit, I dined at Travinia Italian Kitchen.  As soon as you walk through the door, the aroma knocks your socks off.  All the walls are lined with wine racks, so naturally they have a very extensive wine list. We started with the Prince Edward Island Mussels, and I have to tell you, being a mussel snob, they were the best I have had here. I had the Vesuvio Marsala, and the veal was so tender it melts in your mouth.  Oh and I have to mention the bread - awesome.  

I grew up in New York and was taught at a very young age, if the bread is good the meal will be as well. The desserts looked amazing too, I just did not have any room left. I will try again next time. So please, on your next visit to the beach, check out this fabulous eatery so you can savor the fare.

Ciao,
Linda

So Many Courses in Scottsdale...What to do, What to do?

Today's feature is the Boulders Golf Course.

This public, resort course highlighted by huge boulder formations was designed by Jay Morrish.

Vital Stats: Par 71, five sets of tees ranging from 6,726 to 4,684 yards has a slope rating of 140 from the back tees. There are 75 bunkers and has water which comes into play on three holes.

Amenities: Driving range, bunker and chipping areas, practice putting green and a full service restaurant.
There's a golf academy headed by Donald Crawley, who is ranked as a top 100 instructor by Golf magazine.

Why play here: Both boulders courses (North and South) are well known for their stunning views, with giant boulder formations and rock outcroppings framing the holes. Structures are well hidden providing a pure golf feel. Fairways blend with the natural terrain, and greens are small but true with subtle breaks. Course conditions are immaculate.  The South course has been ranked numerous times by national magazines, including the No. 1 ranking by Golf for Women for womens facilities.

Golf World 2009 Readers' Choice Top 50 Public Courses

Golf World Magazine recently came out with its 2009 Readers' Choice Awards Top 50 - Public*Private*Resort. There are two areas I handle for Golf Zoo - Florida and the RTJ Golf Trail in Alabama.

I will talk about the Public "Top 10 List", for my area. The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, two facilities - Grand National (Rank #1), Opelika, Alabama. This facility has two great championship layouts - Lake and Links courses. The other facility is Capitol Hill (Rank #2). Prattville, Alabama. This facility has 3 championship layouts - Judge, Legislator and Senator. Both these facilities have a Marriott property on site, but other lodging options are also available. The next facility on the "Top 10 List" is Orange County National (Rank #8) in Winter Garden, Florida. This facility has 36 holes on site and a fantastic practice facility. Both courses (Panther Lake and Crooked Cat) are host to final stage of PGA Tour final stage of Q'School every two years. There are hotel rooms on property, but there are many options for lodging in Orlando.

Here are some other courses in Florida that round out the " Top 50 Public Courses": Southern Dunes (Rank #17), Haines City, Florida. TPC Tampa Bay (Rank #18), Lutz, Florida (Home to Sr. PGA Tour event). Celebration GC (Rank #24), Celebration, Florida.  PGA Village (Rank #30) (54 holes), Port St. Lucie, Florida. RTJ Golf Trail at Magnolia Grove (Rank #32) (36 holes), Mobile, Alabama.

Now for the some of the " Top 50 Resort Courses" in my area: Walt Disney World Resort (Rank #13) (72 holes and home to PGA Tour event), Lake Buena Vista, Florida. World Golf Village (Rank #15) (36 holes), St. Augustine, Florida. TPC Sawgrass (Rank #21) ( Home to the Players Championship, 5 golf courses to choose from at this facility, must stay on site), Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. PGA National GC (Rank #42) (Home to PGA Tour Event, 5 golf courses on site, must stay on site), Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Innisbrook Resort and GC (Rank #45) (Home to PGA Tour Event, 4 course on site, must stay on site), Palm Harbor, Florida. Lely Resort G&CC (Rank #48) (36 holes on site), Naples, Florida.

If any of these courses are of interest, please call me at 888.333.6103, or email me at glen@golfzoo.com. As I mentioned; I handle Florida, along with the RTJ Golf Trail in Alabama. I can set up packages for all these areas and we have numerous other courses to choose from, check out www.golfzoo.com and see what we're all about.

Ross Bridge - The Best of the Trail

This last summer Glen, myself and our wives had the opportunity to play Ross Bridge Golf Course in Birmingham, Alabama . This course is definitely one of the best courses I have ever played in my life. From tee to green the beauty is unrivaled. The quality of the design - unmatched. This is without a doubt the Jones Family's crowning jewel.

Though the price may seem a bit steep, it is worth every dime you spend. Not only was the course the nicest we played on the Trail, but the Renaissance accommodations were over the top. From the doorman to the cart boy - they treat you like royalty. The little things sometimes make a trip so much better and their attention to detail was precise. The concierge, Lisa, suggested that we try a little local food so we got reservations to The Bright Star. We were treated to a fantastic seafood dinner while seating in the Bear Bryan booth. If you are ever considering a trip to the RTJ Trail, Ross Bridge would be a perfect way to finish any trip. 

Myrtle Beach Dream 18

Local Sports writers and golf professionals composed a list in their opinion the best 18 holes on the Grand Strand. Arranged in ascending order, they call it the Dream 18.

#18  DeBordieu Colony Club No. 17-441 yards | Par 4
#17  The Dunes Golf and Beach Club No. 11-430 yards | Par 4
#16  Rivers Edge Golf Club No. 9-570 yards | Par 5
#15  Prestwick Country Club No. 9-537 yards | Par 5
#14  Farmstead Golf Links No. 18-767 yards | Par 6
#12  Tidewater Golf Club No. 4-414 yards | Par 4
#11  Pawleys Plantation No. 13-145 yards | Par 3
#10  TPC of Myrtle Beach No. 17-193 yards | Par 3
#9   Wachesaw Plantation No. 18-565 yards | Par 5
#8   Oyster Bay Golf Links No. 13-330 yards | Par 4
#7   Tidewater Golf Club No. 12-198 yards | Par 3
#6   Surf Golf and Beach Club No. 18-217 yards | Par 3
#5   Myrtle Beach National King's North No. 6-568 yards | Par 5
#4   Caledonia Golf & Fish Club No. 18-383 yards I Par 4
#3   Grande Dunes Resort Golf Course No. 14-216 yards | Par 3
#2   Tidewater Golf Club No. 3-157 yards | Par 3
#1   The Dunes Golf and Beach Club No. 13-590 yards | Par 5

The complete write-up is located here. All of these courses are challenging and scenic.

OK fellow golfers, what would be your Dream 18? Personally, out of all 18 - Caledonia would be my pick, but that's just me since it is my favorite Home Town Track.  Please let me know what your favorites are and we can compose our own Dream 18.  Hey - why not?

Golf Package - Money Saving Tips

Times are tough, no doubt. I want to offer some tips on putting together a very good golf package, at a reasonable price. A couple things you can count on - if you head to Florida during the winter, it's peak season. Golf course greens fees can range from $70 up to $170. Lodging for your package can be all over the board. One thing that can get costly for groups, is individual hotel rooms - try and double up when choosing hotel rooms (two double beds in room). The main areas for golf packages in Florida are: Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, W. Palm Beach and South Florida (Ft. Lauderdale and Miami). I consider Orlando to be the best deal in the state. South Florida may be a little warmer if it gets cold, but the golf quality is apples to oranges - plus it's more expensive. The lodging choices in Orlando are plenty. The best deal is either villa's or homes. This type of lodging gives guys more options and everyone can end up with their own bedroom.

When it comes to courses, there are so many choices. There are a lot of nice public courses that may not have the name as some to the well know ones, but they give you a big bang for your buck. Courses that are located a little off the beaten path (45 - 60 minutes) from your lodging, usually have lower rates than the ones in close. These courses can be very good and definitely worth the travel time. Usually try and schedule these courses on weekends, to have less traffic. Also, a lot of courses have weekday and weekend (higher) rates - if you can come during the week, this may also save some money. Some courses also have lower rates after 11 am and later. Be careful when you're quoted a twilight rate - these times usually make it difficult to finish your round, due to lack of daylight in the winter.

When planning a golf package, it's a good idea to have a budget in mind for lodging and golf. Knowing this information can be very good for your golf package planner. We are very knowledgeable about the courses in the area and their rates. Always remember there is a great package to meet every ones needs and budget. Don't rely on the first quote you get. Please contact the representative on your quote and explain what your group needs. If the website ask for your phone number and email address - put it in there. This gives your golf vacation specialist the opportunity to offer you advice to suit your needs.

I guess in a nutshell - be flexible when trying to put a golf package together and don't be afraid to contact your golf vacation specialist and ask for advice. We know our areas very well and can make you package special, no matter what you want to spend. Please feel free to contact me with any questions at 888.333.6103, or email me at glen@golfzoo.com.

Remember; stay positive in these tough economic times, and a nice golf package can go a long way in reducing your everyday stress.