The Benefits of Getting Golf Trip Packages

Planning a golf trip can be expensive.  Hotel and accommodation costs are just the tip of the iceberg.  There are tee times to reserve, green fees, caddy tips, and souvenirs to buy. But many golf resorts have made travel more convenient and easier on the budget by offering all-in-one golf packages, which can include transportation to and from the airport and the golf courses, and free meals, if you’re lucky.

Getting all-inclusive golf packages have numerous benefits, and here are a few of them;

• No more having to book separately.  These types of packages mean you won’t have to go through the hassle of booking car rentals, hotel accommodations and tee times separately.  You can have all that in just a few clicks, or a quick call to your travel agent.  Once your travel package is booked, all you need o worry about is what to pack for your trip. 

• Big discounts.  A huge perk of golf vacation packages are the discounts you get on green fees, cart fees, and even car rentals.  Through packages, you can stay at 5-star golf resorts and play in some of the country’s most upscale golf courses at a fraction of the usual costs. 

• Packages are customizable.  One of the most common misconceptions people have about golf holiday packages is the details are set-in-stone.  Years ago, that might have been the norm.  But these days, golf holiday packages can be personalized according to your budget and preferred golf course or hotel.  Just give your travel agent a call, or check the website for a "Request a Quote” form page. 

• Inclement weather and other satisfaction guarantee clauses.  If an unexpected rain made you cancel out your scheduled tee time, it's possible to get a refund or other perks as part of the satisfaction guarantee clauses that come with the specific package.

But do note that not all vacation packages come with this clause.  So it’s best to read the fineprint, or ask ahead to know if the vacation package you’re getting comes with this stipulation.   

Golf trip packages offer you more than just savings.  By getting an all-inclusive golf holiday deal, you are thereby sparing yourself the hassle of having too book flights, finding available hotel accommodations, and hoping to get available tee times on your preferred schedule. 

Check out what current Hot Deals we have for Vacation Package Specials and be on the lookout for those that are "all inclusive"!

Free Lunch in Williamsburg!

Looking for the best deal going in Williamsburg? Well here it is...... On top of an already great deal we are throwing in a 4th nights lodging for free, a 4th round of golf for free, lunch at each course for free and if that was not enough you get two free beers with each round!

Lodging- Springhill Suites by Marriott

-Bedroom has 2 queen bed along with living room that has- couch, tv, refrigerator and microwave.

-Free extended continental breakfast (includes hot items)

-Restaurants within walking distance

Golf-

• The Tradition Golf Club at Kiskiack - Awarded with 4 stars by Golf Digest's "Places to Play"
• The Tradition Golf Club at Stonehouse - Included in the Golf and Travel list of the "100 Modern Courses"
• The Tradition Golf Club at Royal New Kent- Named as one of "America's Top 100 Greatest Golf Courses" by Golf Digest.
• The Tradition Golf Club at Brickshire - Golf Digest 4 1/2 star rating

This package is valid from April 4th through May 29th 2011 for $525 per person with all taxes and fees included. If you would like to discuss this package or get information on other options give Craig Gordon a call at 888.333.6079.

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!!

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 to view our Austin / Barton Creek page 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.

Find the "Suite Spot" in Mid April and May.

It's cold. You're sick of it. I get it.

Originally from Cleveland, and after having resided many years in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, I understand that mid March can be depressing. It's supposed to be spring, yet it's still grey and cold. You wanna get to Scottsdale, but you're not too keen on $200 tee time fees and $200 per night hotels that typically accompany Arizona in March. I have the answer, my climate challenged friends...

Wait a couple more weeks, and come to Scottsdale in mid April or May. The weather is still absolutely perfect (mid 80's, no humidity, and no rain), and the prices are much more reasonable.

We have put together a stay and play package for Scottsdale that is First Class all the way, but won't have you dreading your next Amex statement.

Our "Suite Spot" Stay and Play starts with sharing a One Bedroom Resort Suite at the Arizona Grand Resort and Spa. The suites are very large, very well equipped, and it's nice having a suite with all the amenities of a full service resort for less than $100 per person per day all in. (Even the daily $30 resort fee is included)

Then play 4 of Scottsdale's best and highest rated layouts:

• Arizona Grand Golf Club - On site at the resort, and perfect setup for day of arrival play.
• SunRidge Canyon Gold Club - Rated #42 on Golf Digest "Top 100 You Can Play"
• The Golf Club at Eagle Mtn - Top 50 Courses in America by Golf World 2009
• Gold Canyon - Dinosaur Mtn - #1 rated public course in Arizona 2009 and 2010

More info on each course can be found here.

This stay and play package is valid from April 11th through May 31st, and at $199 per person per day which includes the suite, resort fees, green fees, and all taxes, it's a spectacular value!

(Rates are even lower after June 1st, but the weather is getting hot that time of year)

Feel free to contact Chris Parcell or Lori Greene in our Scottsdale offices for more details.

Hang in there.

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 / 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.

Gold Canyon - What a great Stay and Play!

My father came into town last weekend for Father's Day, and we decided to get "outta town" for a guys only golf weekend.
Gold Canyon Golf Resort (about 35 minutes east of Scottsdale) was the perfect choice - I chose it for the golf, though I had never actually stayed at the Resort before.
Gold Canyon has 36 holes right on site, (the first tee of Dinosaur Mountain was literally about 40 yards away from the front door of our casita) and although I play alot of golf in Scottsdale and have played em all, it is still my absolute favorite since I first played it almost 6 years ago. What I was pleasantly surprised at was how good the Sidewinder course was! (I must admit that I had never played it before last weekend.) An extremely enjoyable layout, and a really good warmup for Dinosaur. It makes more a really nice 36 hole day - Sidewinder in the morning, then Dino in the afternoon. (We have a really good special price for that as well.)

I was extremely impressed with the accommodations. Our unit, a "Spa Casita" is basically a hotel room, but a LARGE hotel room. 2 double beds + a sitting area to watch the NBA playoffs made it very comfortable for 2 guys to hang out, and sip a little Makers Mark. The clencher here was the private patio with the PRIVATE JACUZZI right outside your back door. It's the perfect setup.

Also, the restaurant (Kokopelli's) was excellent for both breakfast and dinner. We had all you can eat catfish Friday night, and prime rib was the special on Saturday. The prices were great - much less than what you would expect at a resort - great food, great prices, and exceptional service. The breakfast buffet with an omelette station was a great value as well.

If you're coming to Scottsdale, but want a resort that's a little more out of the way and secluded, give Gold Canyon Golf Resort a try.

You won't be disappointed.

Play all day with breakfast and lunch included!

World Golf Village - St. Augustine, Florida -

If you like to play more than 18 holes in a day and have 2 meals included with it - then I have the place for you; the resort courses at World Golf Village -Slammer and the Squire, King and the Bear. These are two great golf facilities at one great property. During the months of July 1 through September 30, you can play all day with two meals. The Slammer and the Squire was designed by Bobby Weed with Sam Snead and Gene Sarazen as consultants. The King and the Bear is the only course in the US designed by Palmer and Nicklaus. A golfer can play all day with 2 meals for around $133 per day. The second round is not booked in advance, but day of play - 2 courses to choose from.

The only issues are summer aeration: King and the Bear (8/22 - 8/24), Slammer and the Squire (9/5 - 9/7). It looks like July 1 through August 21 would be perfect.

You have 4 different lodging options at the facility - Comfort Inn & Suites, Laterra Resort and Spa, WGV Renaissance Resort, and the Villa's at WGV. This package is for the diehard golfer that can deal with the heat, a lot of golf and a full belly. If this package interests you, please call 888.333.6103 to discuss.

Stay and Play for the "Die Hard" Golfer in Scottsdale

Scottsdale is ranked as the 8th best golf destination in the world by Golf Digest for a reason, and we've put together a great Stay and Play for the "Die Hard" who wants ALOT of the BEST golf in the Scottsdale area, but doesn't want to spend $200.00 per round!!!

From June 1, 2005 until September 1, come to Scottsdale and stay in a Two Bedroom suite (with four seperate beds) located in the heart of downtown Scottsdale, enjoy free buffet breakfast every morning, free cocktails in the evening Monday through Thursday, and play UNLIMITED GOLF at seven of the highest rated courses in the valley. This is a deal that simply can't be beaten.

Package includes:

• 4 nights lodging at The Summerfield Suites by Wyndham (4 per "Golfer Suite")
• Free buffet breakfast each morning
• Free cocktails each evening (Mon-Thurs)
• UNLIMITED golf with cart at:
  • Golf Club at Eagle Mtn - Proud host of the Scottsdale Swing of the Canadian Golf Tour!
  • The Raven at South Mtn - Rated #1 in North America for customer service!
  • Gold Canyon - Dinosaur Mtn - #1 rated public course in Arizona!
  • Rancho Manana Golf Club - Voted one of Az's "Most scenic" layout by Golf Digest!
  • Club West Golf Club - #17 voted "Scariest Par 3" in Phoenix/Scottsdale.
  • Longbow Golf Club - Rated "Top 5 in AZ" by Travelgolf!
  • The Duke at Rancho El Dorado - David Druzisky's newest design!
  • All taxes.

This package is valid from June 1, 2005 through September 1, 2005.

Prices are based on 4 golfers per Golfer Suite. Extra nights available. Other courses also available. Afternoon rounds will only be booked on the day of play based on availability.

$79.95 per person per day weekdays.
$89.95 per person per day weekends.These packages book quickly, call 888.867.6921 today!

Have a look at our latest eNewsletter!

We just sent our latest eNewsletter with Golf Specials in Arizona, Myrtle Beach, Orlando and Ocean City. Check it out! If your looking to go to a different destination, we have other specials going to other places as well.

Ocean City Spring Training

Book your golf trip to Ocean City through Golf Zoo and you and every member of your group will get a FREE one year subscription to Golf Magazine!

Also, don't miss Spring Training 2005 in Ocean City - Through April 30th, get FREE Golf Clinics every Monday thru Wednesday at 10am and 2pm. Golf Magazine's Top 100 Teacher Clinic will be available on Thursday's from 10am to 5pm. Call us today for dates, teacher's and participating golf courses at 1-800-929-7300.

"The Estate" Unlimited Golf Die Hard Special

Golf Zoo's "The Estate" was introduced in the fall of 2004, and has become an instant favorite for larger groups of golfers who want it all. "The Estate is a 4100 sq. foot private estate in Northeast Scottsdale that can sleep up to 12 people, all in their own bed. Put quite simply.... it's loaded. The amenities are unbelievable:

• Private Pebbletech Pool
• Private 6 man Jacuzzi
• Two big screen TV's with DVD players, digital cable and surround sound
• Weber gas powered grille on the back deck
• Professional Pool Table
• Big back deck with phenomenal views!
• "Kegerator" - icy cold beer 24/7.

From now until September 15, come to Scottsdale, and stay somewhere truly memorable while playing UNLIMITED GOLF at four of the highest rated courses in the valley. This is a deal that simply can't be beaten.

Package includes:

• 4 nights lodging at "The Estate" (based on 12 - slightly higher with less)
• UNLIMITED Golf with cart at:
  • The Golf Club at Eagle Mountain - Most dramatic elevation changes and views in the valley.
  • Gold Canyon - Dinosaur Mountain - #1 rate public course in AZ.
  • Longbow Golf Club - Rated Top 5 in AZ by Travelgolf!
  • Club West Golf Club - #17 voted "Scariest Par 3" in Phoenix/Scottsdale
  • Many other courses available as well.
  • All Taxes

This package is valid from June 1, 2005 through September 15, 2005.

$99.95 per person per day Weekdays,$119.95 per person per day Weekends.

Call today for this Special! Space is limited! 1-800-929-7300