Hot Deals: Grand Cypress Golf Club

The first thing that comes to most people’s mind when the City of Orlando is mentioned is probably the Walt Disney World Resort. But, not only does the City of Magic offer some of the world’s most magnificent theme parks, it also provides many of the best golf courses found anywhere in North America. One of the things that sets Orlando apart from other golfing destinations around the world is the weather. The prime time to book a golf vacation to Orlando is during the mild season that typically runs from the months of October through April. Visitors tend to encounter less rainfall during this timeframe, while still enjoying ideal temperatures for golf. If you are not sure where to golf in the state of Florida, then you are encouraged to contact the golf vacation specialists at Golf Zoo for specific recommendations and information regarding hot deals. For instance, the Grand Cypress Golf Club has quickly become one of the most popular golfing destinations in all of Orlando.
Visitors of the Cypress Golf Club are privy to an unforgettable golf setting featuring 45 holes of Jack Nicklaus Signature-designed golf. Golfers can opt for a couple of different settings there including the nine hole North, South and East Courses; or the New Course. The North-South courses feature everything from fairways with sharp ledges to tall shaggy mounds. Many of the holes on these courses demand accuracy versus physical strength. Then, for golfers seeking steeper bunkers and slopes, the New Course is considered a Scottish links masterpiece complete with double greens, stone bridges walls and pot bunkers as deep as 12 feet. This course is suggested for those golfers that desire generous landing areas because there aren't too many trees planted along its landscape.

In addition to award winning golf, the Grand Cypress Golf Club also offers a variety of other resort activities for people of all ages including:

• Fitness Center
• In-Room Spa Services
• Swimming Pool
• Sauna and hot tub
• Bicycle Fleet and trails
• Grand Cypress Racquet Club
• Swimming Pool and waterslide
• Marilyn Monroe Spa
• Pitch 'n' Putt Golf
• Rock Wall
• Lake Windsong access
• Game Room
• Daily transportation to Walt Disney World, SeaWorld and Universal (reservations required)
• Fishing Pools and Tackle

If you would like to book a golf vacation package to Orlando, or perhaps another city in Florida, then you can visit GolfZoo.com to view the latest hot deals being offered for the Grand Cypress Golf Club and many other exclusive golf packages. Remember, Golf Zoo is the only national Golf Vacation company that has their Golf Vacation Specialists in the destination they service, so their local knowledge will become a valuable asset upon booking your vacation! They also maintain special rate agreements with all of their hotel, condo, private rental home and golf course partners. Golf Zoo package rates will always be lower than the cost of planning the trip by yourself.

Jacksonville Golf Courses Designed by Legends

Also known as “The River City,” Jacksonville is home to the PGA Tour and World Golf Hall of Fame. The PGA Tour even makes an annual stop there during May for the The Players Championship. So, it shouldn't be too surprising that Jacksonville offers some of the best golf courses in the world. In fact, the golf vacation specialists at Golf Zoo have exclusive Jacksonville golf packages to dozens of tour-caliber courses designed by legends such as Tom Fazio, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Pete Dye, Arnold Palmer and Mark McCumber. From stunning beaches to the downtown renaissance, there are also plenty of other exciting activities in and around “Jax.” But, the weather is always ideal for golf, and you can book golf packages that offer challenges for players of every skill level, ranging from top oceanside resorts to popular public courses.
Here are some of the most popular Jacksonville golf packages:

• Bent Creek Golf Course - Often referred to as Jacksonville’s “best kept secret,” the Bent Creek Golf Course has achieved the reputation as Jacksonville's premier public golf course. The course was first introduced in 1989 and features a budget friendly 6,620-yard, Par 71 championship layout complete with towering pines, creeks, Bermuda grass greens, plush fairways and a state-of-the-art lighted practice facility.

• World Golf Village - Featuring the World Golf Hall of Fame, the World Golf Village also showcases a Golf Festival. Typically held during the month of September, the Golf Festival is a unique event with interactive activities including free golf clinics, food trucks, live music and even special appearances by Hall of Fame members. When it comes time to golf, then you can choose from either the King & Bear or Slammer & Squire courses. The King & Bear is renown for being a “driver’s” course with over 7,200 yards
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• Eagle Landing - The Eagle Landing course features tees ranging from championship caliber to youth levels. The 7,037 yard course was designed by Clyde Johnston and offers an impressive golf clubhouse with sports bar, well-equipped pro shop, locker rooms, and an elegant restaurant with sparkling water and fairway views.

• Windsor Parke Golf Club - This semi-private golf course was designed by Arthur Hills and is known as a beginner-friendly course. It features 18-holes of Championship Golf along with pro golf lessons, full practice facilities and a complete pro shop.

An obvious advantage of booking Jacksonville golf packages through Golf Zoo is that they have golf vacation specialists stationed in each of the destinations that they serve. So, if you are looking for a specific type of golf course, then their specialists can recommend and provide first-hand knowledge of the golf clubs for the region that they serve. Planning a golf vacation to your dream destination is easy with Golf Zoo. Simply call 800.929.7300 or visit them online to request a trip quote.

Florida Golf Packages

Florida, also known as the “Sunshine State” is internationally known for excellent tennis,

auto racing, water sports, and the most important past time, golf. Florida is home to over fifteen

hundred courses, all are unique, but a few stand out and will truly leave you with a sense of awe

and appreciation for the game and the natural beauty of the state. This is one of the few places

in the U.S. where you can swim in the Gulf of Mexico in the morning and golf on the Atlantic

coast in the afternoon (or vice versa, whichever you prefer). When you book one of the many

fantastic available Florida golf packages your options for a phenomenal time are endless.

Central Florida offers some of the best golf courses in the state. It’s home to the Florida

Highlands which were an overlooked area of the state until recently. Central Florida is home to

some truly amazing courses, for example, the historic Mission Inn Golf Resort and Spa, just

outside of the hustle and bustle of Orlando and seemingly in a world all its own. This particular

resort offers two courses, both are unique and will provide hours of enjoyment. These courses

are known for mature pine and magnolia trees, abundant wildlife, and a relaxing game with no

houses or condos to spoil the pristine fairways. Not far from Orlando on Florida’s Atlantic Coast

is an area known as the Space Coast. Rightly named because it is the proud home of the

Kennedy Space Center but is also a wildlife refuge and has some absolutely stunning beaches.

This area needs to be on every nature-loving golfers bucket list because it is home to some

extremely challenging courses, including Baytree National Golf Links and The Majors Golf Club.

There are also many courses in the Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg areas that offer plenty of

challenges to seasoned golfers but will also tantalize you to relax on their white sand beaches.

Any one of these destinations and more are available through the Florida golf packages.

In Southern Florida you will find some other marvelous destinations to satisfy your golf

lust. Southern Florida is home to Miami, offering some excellent cuisine, rich culture, vibrant

nightlife, and some incredible golf courses. When you’re playing golf in Miami you find yourself

in an oasis in the city, an escape within itself. However, if you would like to be in an area that

may not be as busy as Miami you can go a bit North to Fort Lauderdale and visit the city known

as the “Venice of America”. You will get to experience the natural beauty of the area and rich

cultural diversity without the stresses of a much larger city. The courses around Fort Lauderdale

are known for decency easy accessibility, low green fees, warm ocean breezes, and an overall

relaxed vibe. These amazing cities, and more, are within your reach when you purchase one of

the custom Florida golf packages.

Florida is a golf lover’s dream destination. The mild climate and plenty of sunshine make

this state an easy place to fall in love with. The wide variety of courses will challenge you or take

your relaxing vacation to the next level. And while you golf your family can visit the many

beaches, so everyone wins! Be sure to contact one of the Florida golf experts to discuss what’s

available when you purchase one of the many Florida golf packages and truly make this

vacation one to remember.

Emerald Coast Golf Trail

Panhandle, Florida

In West Florida, the long stretch of coastline running along the Gulf of Mexico has been known as a family drive hotspot. The last 50 years has seen the Emerald Coast as a prime spot for recreation away from the hustles and bustles of urban Florida. As a matter of fact, this area  used to be nicknamed the “Playground Area of the Gulf Coast”. And the reasons are obvious. This place is most ideal for those long and quiet walks on the beach, dining on fresh seafood and exploring nature's bounty. Its picturesque greenish sparkling seas – where it got its name – are highlighted by the powdered-sugar sand, making it a most picturesque presentation.

The Emerald Coast Golf Trail is composed of four championship golf courses: Scenic Hills (Pensacola), Tiger Point (Gulf Breeze), Hidden Creek (Navarre), and Shalimar Pointe (Shalimar).

The Emerald Coast spans a hundred miles, going through four counties (Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, and Bay). This includes the areas famous for golfing: Pensacola Bay, Fort Walton, Panama Beach City, and Destin. Thus, also, the birth of the Emerald Coast Golf Trail.

Scenic Hills Golf Club

Pensacola's Scenic Hills could stand out one way or another, but it best stands out for its very rich history. It is proudly the only golf course in the entire Florida to have hosted the US Open (1969 US Women's Open). Out of Florida's many, many courses that have come and gone over the years, none of them has beaten this record by the Scenic Hills. Apart from that, it holds some very dramatic elevation changes unheard of in most other courses in the area, and a most stunning combination of man's creativity with nature's beauty. It measures 6,689 yards from the longest tees, par 71.


Tiger Point
The Tiger Point Golf Club in Gulf Breeze used to be a 36-hole facility that had been battered by a pair of hurricanes (Ivan and Dennis), destroying much of one of the courses' back nine. Now a 27-hole facility, the Tiger Point does not pose to be any less better. It features a Scottish links style East Course (18 holes) and a scenic West Course (9 holes). The nines here can be played in separate combinations creating a variety of games.

Hidden Creek Golf Club
A Ron Garl creation, the Hidden Creek Golf Club was ranked in Golf Digest's Top 201 Places to Play. This, even despite being flanked by two gigantic golf vacation hotspots (Pensacola and Ft Walton Beach). Slightly elevated, fast and true greens, this course features a fairly open layout with a lot of room for tees. It measures 6,805 yards from the longest tees, par 72.

Shalimar Pointe Country Club
The course is the result of the collaboration between renowned designers Joe Finger and Pete Dye. The Shalimar Pointe Country Club has been a frequented host of several US Open Qualifiers and a 3 ½ star rating from Golf Digest's Places to Play. The layout is relatively fair from all tees, just as much as it is challenging. Measures 6,765 yards from the longest tees, par 72. Golfers of all abilities will surely find something to love about this course – whether it's the well-placed bunkers, perfectly manicured greens, the excellent practice facilities, or the unmatched views of the Choctawhatchee Bay. Whatever it is, the Shalimar Pointe Country Club is a must-play; it is difficult enough not to!

Beautiful, clean, and teeming with fun things to do, the Emerald Coast is in fact and indeed a most suited “Playground”. And with the addition of the Emerald Coast Golf Trail, this is a golfer's playground, or more aptly, A HAVEN.

Contact our Golf Zoo Travel Specialist and book a vacation to The Emerald Coast Golf Trail TODAY !! Please Call: 800-929-7300!!

Golf Kingdom: Florida

The Sunshine State, also known as Florida holds the recorded out of all the states in the US to have the most golf courses in their state. Florida is the home to more than 1,250 golf courses. 
Florida is the ideal place to be for any golf enthusiast!! 

Its quite impossible to make a list of all the amazing golf courses Florida has to offer,  but here is a short list for any travelers that are raring to go!!

TPC Sawgrass

A Pete Dye masterpiece, this course has to be the best of Dye's best. It is sprawled on 415 acres of Florida marshland and dotted with hazards of all forms – marshes, pot bunkers, waste areas, and palm trees. But what makes the TPC Sawgrass a household name for golfers is the “Island Green” 17th hole. This signature hole has become an epitome of sorts for what makes a great, challenging, and beautiful hole; and the best of the world's pros could attest to that. The TPC Sawgrass is without a doubt on the list of the World's Best.


Doral Golf Resort and Spa
Magnanimous at the least, excellent at the best. This is only one way to describe the Doral Golf Resort and Spa, and that is not overrated. Four championship courses make up this huge Miami golf facility – including a Jim McLean signature and a PGA Tour stop.
Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club
It gets better as it gets older. The Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club could be a most perfect example. Originally built in the 1920s, this golf course has stood the test of war, nature and age. The original design is long gone but the glamor of the classic was revived by the handiwork made by designer Ron Garl. Today, it features a wide open layout dotted with many old growth trees that gives it that vintage feel one couldn't find elsewhere in the Sunshine State.



Florida could easily be heaven on earth for most golfers! Please contact a Florida travel specialist TODAY! Call 800-929-7500!! 

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.

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) are inexpensive. Here are a couple of my recommendations for lodging choices - Magical Memories, followed by Grand Beach Resort, Sheraton Vistana Villages, and Sheraton 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
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.

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...

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!

Orlando's Newest Golf Course - Sugarloaf Mountain

Orlando has done it again! Another fantastic golf course has been added to the area - Sugarloaf Mountain. This is Bill Coore and Ben Creshaw's first design in Florida. It's located 25 miles from downtown Orlando, in Minneola, Florida.
This 7057 yd. private course is open for some resort play. The course is typified by large sandy areas and native grasses. The layout is challenging but very fair. The dramatic elevation changes up to 160 feet are not your typical Florida golf course. The design is very old school and the use of the terrain is fantastic!
This is definitely a solid contender for top - 100 Modern status. The course is arrayed in two returning nines - front nine is a huge clockwise loop, back nine forms a looser counter clockwise routing that actually folds back twice to the clubhouse. Lee Janzen, a two time US Open champ says "there is not a bad hole out there, I look forward to playing here again in the future".
Once this course fills up its membership, public play will cease to exist. When planning you next golf package to Orlando, please include this golf course in your choices - you won't be dissapointed! If you have interest in playing this golf course - please go to http://www.golfzoo or call 888.333.6103 to book you next tee time.

A Transition to Luxury

I have stayed in hotels from Paris to Alaska and I find myself being very picky when it comes to accommodations. In the last year, the AmeriSuites Hotel has converted to the new and improved Hyatt Place Hotel. Using the word improved is a severe understatement. The hotels in Orlando and Tampa Airport are now a traveler's haven.
They have completely gutted the lobbies and remodeled them into a fun gathering place for their customers. One thing that has always made great sense to me is to have a bar and restaurant in the lobby of the hotel. It not only acts as a gathering place for fellow travelers, but also a melting pot for everyone. As you can see in the pictures, the Hyatt Place Tampa Airport has far exceeded that requirement.If the rooms are your benchmark in a hotel, than they have exceeded that requirement as well. All the rooms are completely remodeled with very comfortable beds and large Plasma TVs and "I mean large." Unlike some hotels that claim a total remodel and have fallen short, Hyatt Place actually did it. If location is your benchmark, they have snatched the brass ring there also. Located just minutes from down town and just three minutes to the Airport, it is centrally located to everything. In addition, a Ruth Chris Steak House is in the front yard of the hotel and a huge mall is just down the street.When planning your next trip to Tampa, make sure you look into the new and very improved Hyatt Place.

Florida Golf Limo Bus

If you have a group of 8 - 16 guys coming into Orlando for a golf package, have I got a great value added service. Florida Golf Limo Bus is a state of the art vehicle for any group. This Limo will pick up your group at the airport and drop you off at you destination. It will also pick you up each day and take you to your chosen course and bring you back home after the round.
They will also set you up with beverages of your choice - you can even use them for a night out on the town. The company will also keep all the records - games played, scores, handicaps and courses you have played. You will have this put onto a disc for you to take home along with the pictures you have taken along the way with the cameras they provide.

The Limo Bus is equipped to handle up to 16 golfers, their golf bags and luggage. The Limo Bus is equipped with two flat screen TV's with Direct TV, XM Radio, Wireless Internet and Wet Bar. Monday - Thursday, they have a 3 hour minimum requirement. Friday - Sunday, they have a 4 hour minimum requirement.So, if you want to take you golf trip to Orlando up a notch - you owe it to yourself to check out Florida Golf Limo Bus. Please mention Golf Zoo when you call them. You can also contact Glen, at 888.333.6103 to set something up.

Orlando / Jacksonville Ultimate Golf Excursion

If you don't mind being a road warrior for a couple of days, have I got a great package for you. Golf Zoo and Ginn Resorts is offering the Ginn Challenge. This package is based on 4 players in a three bedroom villa and 5 rounds of Championship caliber golf. Package rate is $750.00 per person. I will give you some details on the resorts and the golf courses they have on property.
GINN REUNION RESORT - ORLANDO, FLORIDA:
The resort at Reunion has just been named a "Distinguished Member of Preferred Hotels and Resorts. Reunion Resort hosted the "Big Break Reunion", seen on The Golf Channel. The facility also host the LPGA Ginn Open.
The 3 courses on site are designed by Nicklaus, Palmer and Watson. The Legacy course made Golf Digest's #21 of America's Top 4 new courses, 2005. It also made Golf Weeks #12 Florida's Best Public Golf Course, 2006. The Independence course received the following rewards: Golf Digest #10 America's Best New Resort Course, 2005. Golf Magazine Top 10 best new courses you can play. Golf Week #4 Florida's Best public access, 2006.
GINN HAMMOCK BEACH RESORT - PALM COAST, FLORIDA:
Cond'e Nast Traveler - "Top 100 Golf Resorts", 2006. Resort and Great Hotel's - "Connoisseur's Choice Award", 2006. AAA Four Diamond Award, 2004 - 2006.
The 2 courses on site are designed by Nicklaus and Watson. The Nicklaus Course (Ocean Hammock) host the Senior PGA Tour Ginn Championship. Here are some of the awards the golf courses have received: Golf Week - "America's Best Courses you can play, Rated # 3 in Florida, 2006 and "Top 100 Resort Courses", 2006. Golf Digest - "America's 100 Greatest public courses, 2005. Golf Magazine - "Top 100 you can play", 2006.
These are two of the best golf resorts in Florida. The two resorts are located about 1 and 1/2 hours apart. Don't let the travel discourage you - it is well worth the drive.

The Stonegate Experience

In our quest to provide our customers with the best of golf and accommodations nationally, once and a while we come across a venue that even we as experts find ourselves saying, "WOW! This is special." Stonegate Golf Club is such a facility.
It's not just the magnificent 36 hole layout - it's the entire experience. There are quaint Carmel style shops as you first drive in. The multi-functional clubhouse with elegant furnishings is spectacular. Even though I am a non-member, two of the full-time members struck up a conversation to make me feel welcome. During my four hours of snooping around, not once did I see a thing out of place or anyone discontented. It is a picture perfect place to relax. On your next visit to Orlando, treat yourself to something both extraordinary and affordable and visit Stonegate Golf Club.