Myrtle Beach Golf Courses are Getting More Aggressive

It's no big secret that nearly all business are down compared to where they were a few years ago, with some more than others. The Myrtle Beach golf courses have actually faired very well compared too many other destinations and other industries for that matter. But lucky for golf enthusiasts they are getting even more aggressive with the "deals" and "specials" passed along to companies like us, Golf Zoo.

Recently the Myrtle Beach National Company has taken over management of an increasing number of courses around town. They offer a great "Play 4, Get the 5^th Round Free" promo which has been very successful and even more so with the addition of TPC of Myrtle Beach, Wachesaw Plantation East, Tradition Club, Pawley's Plantation, Wild Wing and Blackmoor. Groups now have 15 different courses to choose from with tracks close to any lodging location. This gives them a big advantage over the stand along courses that do not have the ability to offer such great multi play deals.


Legends Resorts is another that has been very successful as of late not only offering the "Play 4, Get the 5^th Round Free" but also throwing in Breakfast, Lunch and Beer as well. This is especially nice for groups staying in condo properties that do not normally offer breakfast they now get that and more.

Another trend that just started this year is "early booking incentives" which give groups special rates and time slots for booking their trips further in advance.


With the competition heating up this is a great time to consider Myrtle Beach for your next golf trip. If you want more information on the specials above feel free to give me, Craig Gordon a call at 888.333.6079 as I am here in Myrtle.

Limited Time Only: $100 Merchandise Gift Certificate for Group Leaders!

Group Leaders deserve a little something extra this summer!

Book your next golf package by August 31, 2010 and the group leader will receive a $100 Gift Certificate to The Golf Warehouse, one of the biggest online golf discount stores! Golf Zoo not only saves you money, time and the hassle of putting the trip together, but we are going to hook you up with a nice gift for yourself. Pick up that new putter you've had your eye on and take more of your buddies' money on the links! Group leaders deserve Pro V1's - not Top-Flites!

To qualify for the Gift Certificate you must have a group of 8 or more people and make your deposit on a minimum of a 3 night / 3 round package by August 31, 2010. The Gift Certificate will be emailed to you with your travel vouchers 3 weeks prior to travel. This offer is only valid on new reservations.

Call one of our expert Golf Vacation Specialists today!

Sweet Rides @ Palmetto Dunes Resort

To make each round of golf more enjoyable on its three courses, Fazio, Jones and Arthur Hills, Palmetto Dunes offers three unique modes of transportation for getting around the links.  The golf carts provide air conditioned comfort for the Summer months and the heated models for the cooler months.

Segway Golf Transporters can travel at more than 12 mph and are easy to operate and maneuver. It's a popular alternative for transportation on the green.

Whatever type of transportation you choose you will have a enjoyable round on these three World Class courses.

Scottsdale Dining: Wally's Pub and Grill

I recently had dinner with a large group at Wally's Pub and Grill. They have two locations; the Scottsdale location is closest to home and very convenient when staying in Scottsdale -it's located in a high end strip center, but don't be fooled by all the glitz that surrounds it.  Wally's has a very causal atmosphere and has a lot of regulars at the bar.  It's mostly a 'mature' crowd (nice way of saying older folks), but keep in mind it's in Gainey Ranch and there's a lot of money in 'dem thar parts!

They have a very extensive menu, burgers, sandwiches, pasta's, etc and serve an excellent calamari, nice and crispy. It's served with the traditional marinara sauce, but ask for the mayo sauce, excellent! I've had several dishes, my favorite is the Chicken Vesuvius. My better half always has burgers and sandwiches and he has never been disappointed.  Prices are very reasonable and the service is good.

Wally's Happy Hour is from 4-6 PM with $1 off cocktails & beer. $2 off all appetizers!

Bon Appetit!

Favorite Sushi Spot in Myrtle Beach

Hands down King Kong Sushi is the place to go in Myrtle for the very best rolls. I just had some friends come into town that are pretty picky with the quality and variety that a sushi restaurant offers but they were blown away with King Kong. There are two locations- one in Carolina Forrest close to the Legends Golf Resort and another in Broadway at the Beach. With over 100 different specialty rolls to choose from you are sure to find something new or your favorite from back home. If I had to pick my top two rolls I would have to go with the "No Name" and the "Needham" wow are they good. The fish is the freshest in town and the portions are large….well I know where I am headed for dinner now!

If your looking for more local advice give one of our knowledgeable sales reps a call at 800.929.7300.

But It's a Dry Heat

Most golfers are afraid to come out West and deal with the high temperatures we get during the summer.

Fear not, Golf Zoo has some great unlimited deals this time of year which help your wallet stay cool.

You can play some of the best tracks in Scottsdale for a lot less than high season.

According to the weather channels, we're expecting a moderate summer with average temps in the low 100's.

Get up early, enjoy your rounds, then go back and chill at the pool with a cool cocktail.

Don't be afraid, you can do it!!

Golf Zoo's Newest Destination: Tree Tops Resort

Golf Zoo has recently added a new golf destination. The resort is located in Michigan, and it's the highly rated Tree Tops Resort. Tree Tops Resort has 4 Championship golf courses on site, along with the #1 ranked Par 3 course in America by Golf Magazine, Golfweek and Golf & Travel. The four Championship courses consistently receive 4 1/2 stars by Golf Digest.

You have two choices when it comes to lodging - The Inn and The Lodge. The Inn offers spacious rooms with two lobby areas that both offer flat panel TV's, warm leather furniture and rustic accents. The Inn also offers an indoor heated pool. Each room has it's own patio or balcony. The Lodge's lobby is a perfect place to relax in cozy furniture whether you're next to the fireplace of watching the large screen TV. The Lodge rooms offer two queen beds or a king and are all non-smoking. Each room has a sitting area, small refrigerator, microwave, DVD player, internet access and a jet tub.

Now, let's talk about the important part - the golf.

Masterpiece Course:
Robert Trent Jones, Sr.’s final design in Michigan is truly a masterpiece. In his own words, Jones claimed it as his crowning glory. The course is located at the headwaters of the Pigeon River and takes full advantage of natural valleys, ravines and broad plains. The signature sixth hole features a 120’ vertical drop and a panoramic view of the Pigeon River Valley.

Premier Course:
Premier is the only course in Michigan designed by famed architect, Tom Fazio. The course makes the most of the rolling terrain, striking the perfect balance between challenge and forgiveness. When asked to name a signature hole, Fazio replied, "all of them." Play a round on the Premier and we think you’ll agree.

Signature Course:
Rick Smith, renowned architect and golf instructor; set the bar high with Signature; his first 18-hole designed course. The course unfolds into a high upland area and features undulating greens and wide, forgiving fairways. Undisturbed natural areas are prominent on holes four and eleven. Signature has been rated a Top 50 Course for Women.

Tradition Course:
Tradition is Rick Smith’s walking course which pays homage to golf’s origin. The course is well named as it features “traditional” wooden pins and pennant flags. The links-style layout takes advantage of high ridges and hilltops, providing some sloping while still being walkable. Holes one through nine wrap back around to the starter house, allowing for nine-hole play.

Threetops Course:
Threetops. Rick Smith’s first par three-designed course, has been receiving national recognition since it opened in 1992. It consistently ranks as the #1 par three course in America by Golf Magazine, Golfweek, Golf & Travel and several others and is perhaps the most recognized par three course in America. For a number of years, Threetops hosted the ESPN Par 3 Shootout. Lee Trevino recorded an ace on #7 during the Shootout in 2001. The course itself features elevated greens and tees with noticeable slopes.

The golf courses have earned many awards over the years and here are just a few of them.

Conde Nast Traveler
Top 50 International Resorts"
(June 2000)
Golf Design (1 of 6 Criteria) Treetops Resort ranked 3rd behind Pinehurst and Pebble Beach

Golf Digest
"Places to Play" (April 2008)
Robert Trent Jones, Sr. "Masterpiece" 4.5 Stars
Tom Fazio "Premier" 4.5 Stars
Rick Smith "Signature" 4.5 Stars
Rick Smith "Tradition" 4.5 Star

Golf Magazine
Silver Medal Resort" Eight-Time Recipient (March 2008)

Golfweek Magazine
"Ten Golf Resorts to Visit Before You Die"
(Dec. 2004)

USA Today
"Best Conditioned Courses Northern Michigan"
(2008-2009)

Travel & Leisure Golf
"Best Golf Resort in the Midwest" 2008
"Best Resort for Buddy Trips" 2008
"Most Underrated Resorts" 2008

We have a stay and play hot deal on our website - www.golfzoo.com. This is a combination of the 1 night stay and play package and the 2 night Major Championship package. The package includes the following:

3 nights lodging at the Inn at Tree Tops
4 rounds of Championship golf
1 round on the Par Three course
2 breakfasts

The resort breaks up its seasons the following way:

EARLY/LATE SEASON (April 23 – May 13 AND September 27 – end of season)

SPRING/FALL SEASON (May 14 – 31 AND September 6 – 26)

SUMMER SEASON (June 1 – September 5)

As you can see the resort has about a 5 month window for golf. You have two airports to fly into - The Gaylord Regional Airport is located 12 miles west of Treetops and welcomes recreational and business flyers. Cherry Capital Airport is located 65 miles west of Treetops Resort and is operated by Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties.

Take advantage of this fantastic resort and call 888.333.6103 or email glen@golfzoo.com.

Orlando Nightlife, Top Five to Check Out!

During your Orlando golf vacation, hitting the links is one thing but what to do at night can be just as important - and often overlooked.

If you're traveling to Orlando with family, then Disney and Universal have enough to keep you busy every night, but if you're on a golf trip, then Chef Mickey's Buffet just isn't gonna cut it. Here are five can't miss nightlife spots for golfers in Orlando...

Blue Martini

Are you one of the 3 million golfers who has visited Orlando and wondered where Tiger Woods hangs out? Up until Thanksgiving 2009 when he went into hiding, that answer was Blue Martini, the hippest, coolest, swankiest mall bar in Florida.

Rumor has it golf's biggest star frequented the VIP room at this high-end martini bar at Millennia Mall. While a Tiger sighting isn't likely, Blue Martina is still an entertaining bar. It's Orlando's best showcase of people who dress and act like they're at least 10 years younger than they actually are.

Icebar Orlando

In Orlando, manufactured experiences aren't just at Disney and Universal, they're at bars too. Golfers looking for relief from the heat can cool off at Icebar Orlando, a 27-degrees-Fahrenheit watering hole where the glasses, bar and even the couches are 100-percent ice. The signature shot is Penquin Pizz and is taken out of an ice luge. Coat and golf rental is included in the $20 cover charge ($15 if you pre-pay online)

Corona Cigar Company

While the clientele is mostly male, if your foursome is full of cigar aficionados, the Corona Cigar Company is the best bet in Orlando. Once you get past the fact that it's in a strip mall - sadly, more than a few Orlando bars are - you'll be impressed with Corona's wide selection of cigars, including extremely rare vintage, pre-embargo, pre-Castro Cubans. Order a glass of wine and relax the bogeys away.

Season's 52

Because you've probably had more success crushing hot dogs than tee shots, perhaps your golf vacation is in need of a health intervention. Okay, well if that sounds boring keep in mind that Season's 52 is not only the healthiest restaurant in Orlando, but also one of the tastiest and liveliest.

The seasonally inspired menu is chock full of salads and fresh fish, and every item on the menu contains fewer than 500 calories. The dining area may be a bit formal for your golf foursome, but the large full-service bar is apropos for the social butterflies.

Ocean Prime

If you're in the mood to see or be seen, then throw on a Tommy Bahama shirt and make a beeline for Ocean Prime. Here you'll find a hearty mix of nearby Bay Hill residents and out-of-towners, both of which have money to spend and the cocktails to enjoy. The menu is surf and turf. The signature cocktail is the Cucumber Gimlet. It's the closest thing Orlando has to New York

In closing, Orlando isn't all about Disney and Universal - it simply is the best place in Florida for a group of golfers to enjoy fantastic golf, great nightlife and fantastic places to eat.

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 a 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...

Barton Creek - Texas #1 Golf Resort!

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 a Stay and Play from May 1st through September 9, 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 golf at all four courses for $229.95 per person per day weekdays and $269.95 per person per day weekends. This includes everything, even the gratuity at the restaurant. For you die-hards, I can also pre-book replays at Crenshaw or Palmer for $30.00! Call Chris Parcell at 888.867.6911, and I can customize an itinerary for you!

P.S. Don't mess with Texas.