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.

The Greatest Show on Grass

Believe it or not, it's that time of year for Scottsdale's most premiere golf event. Here's the 2009 schedule of events which may be subject to change.

Sunday, January 25

10 am Xerox Ladies Invitational at OrangeTree Golf Resort

Monday, January 26
Practice Rounds for PGA TOUR pros only
10 am MidFirst Bank Pro-Am, TPC Stadium Course
10:30 am R.S. Hoyt Jr. Family Foundation Dream Day activities
Junior Golf Clinic Presented By PING on TPC Practice Range

Tuesday, January 27
Practice Rounds for PGA TOUR pros only
10 am Scottsdale Celebrity-Am, Grayhawk Golf Club (Talon)
11 am CBS Outdoor Special Olympics Open
Located at the TPC Scottsdale Putting Green, the Special Olympics Open features 12 Special Olympian athletes, 12 celebrities or sports stars and 12 business leaders from our community. The event is open to all ticket holders and media and lasts about an hour.
6 pm FBR Opening Dinner (by invitation only)

Wednesday, January 28
8:30 am FBR/Xerox Silver Pro-Am, TPC Stadium Course
11 am Honeywell Pro-Am, Grayhawk Golf Club (Raptor)
4 pm Coors Light Birds Nest entertainment tent opens

Thursday, January 29

7:40 am FBR Open 1st round 4 pm Coors Light Birds Nest entertainment tent opens Friday, January 30 7:40 am FBR Open 2nd round 4 pm Coors Light Birds Nest entertainment tent opens Saturday, January 31 Tee Times TBA: FBR Open 3rd round 4 pm Coors Light Birds Nest entertainment tent opens Buick Hole-in-One contest, 16th hole, first ace on Saturday or Sunday wins a new Buick Sunday, February 1 Tee Times TBA: FBR Open 4th round Buick Hole-in-One contest, 16th hole, first ace on Saturday or Sunday wins a new Buick

I've also listed a link for ticket packages, so check it out and we'll see you here in January.
http://www.phoenixopen.com/TicketPackages.asp

Course Review: Founders Club on Pawleys Island

Last weekend I was able to slip out and play one of the newest courses in Myrtle Beach- The Founders Club on Pawleys Island. Architect Thomas Walker was hired to renovate the former Sea Gull course, and I must say he did a great job.

The course was perfectly manicured and in fantastic shape for a new track. Many of the holes have a True Blue flair with high faced waste bunkers lining the fairways. This is a perfect complement to the great golf that already exists in Pawleys Island. If you are looking for a great 36 hole day Pawleys Plantation, True Blue, Caledonia, and Heritage Plantation are all with in a few minutes drive.

The clubhouse is very nicely done and the rear veranda makes for a nice spot to enjoy a beverage with your playing partners. I was a little disappointed to find no driving range but the putting green and short game area were more then adequate.

There are five sets of tee boxes, ranging from 4,800-7,007 yards which makes the course very playable for any level golfer. Water comes into play on many of the holes, but aside from the carry on the 12th, can be avoided by most.

If you are interested in playing The Founders Club or any other course along the Grand Strand give myself or any one of our other golf vacation specialists a call at 800.929.7300.