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.

Orlando Golf: Theme Park Capitol of the World

When one thinks of Orlando, Florida, the first thing that comes to many people’s mind is the famous amusement parks and museums that are readily available to the tourist and resident, but it is not the only thing that makes the city famous. Orlando is home to many premier golf courses that are considered some of the best on the eastern seaboard. There are very few courses in the United States that rival the layout and the quality of golf courses that the magical city provides.

The magical city's golf courses have been designed by some of the world's top golf designers with naturally occurring golf fields that take into consideration the beautiful landscape that Florida has to offer. Golfers get to play under magnificent oaks, pines, and Magnolia trees, while the fairways and bunkers are strategically placed to create a challenge for even the most experienced player.
Orlando is full of wonder and never a place anyone can get bored. Filled with excitement and adventure, there are even things you can do when you are not on the field racking up good game time. Not only are the amusement parks available to those who like the thrills, but also historical Orlando sites can be enjoyed. Visit the Orange County Regional History Center, or one of the many delicious restaurants the city boasts.

When it comes to golfing, especially a vacation where the plan is to visit as many golf courses as possible, it can get quite expensive. There is hope for the avid golfer that wants to experience the best that Orlando has to offer. Orlando golf packages are some of the best deals that a golfer can get featuring pre-selected packages that showcase all the great fun and excitement like the fantastic summer stay and play with free Replays deal, or the Reunion Golf Resort "Just Golf" Stay & Play with unlimited golf.

Orlando golf packages also allow for customization so that you get the vacation that you want.  There is never a worry that you will play on a field you don’t prefer, or play on a golf course that is not the best that can be offered.

Another advantage of Orlando golf packages is that if you are pressed for time, or not quite sure what to do, a team of professionals is available to not only help plan vacations, but advise on the best choices based upon the preferences presented.

It’s not necessary to struggle to try to plan your vacation, you can get the help you need for a seamless visit and the best vacation you have had in years. The golf professionals are also able to get the best deal with the special discounts from hotels, knowledge of the area, and tricks to help you save money while visiting.

So, whether designing your own vacation, customizing one, or getting a professional to help, Orlando golf packages are an exceptional way to make memories you will not easily forget.

Check out Florida Highlands Golf

How About “Mountain Golf” in Florida?

The diverse landscape of the area just north of Orlando known as the “Florida Highlands”, is home to some of the most scenic vistas in the state of Florida – and great, natural terrain golf courses. In fact, the highest point on peninsular Florida is in this same area. OK…we’re not talking the Rockies or the Appalachians, but in a state most think as flat and ringed with sugar-white sand beaches, we do have some good elevations.  

Fortunately for us golfers, these elevations are within minutes of Orlando and are home to some of the highest-rated courses in the state. Check out the courses we refer to as Florida “Mountain Golf”… Club at Bella Collina, Sanctuary Ridge, The Legends Club, and Mission Inn. 








The designers of the courses noted above, did not move much earth during course construction. The natural “mountain” terrain, sand barrens, natural lakes and native vegetation mostly dictated the course design characteristics. El Campeon, “The Champion” at Mission Inn was designed and built in 1917, and like other courses born during that era, the natural terrain - not a bulldozer, was “the designer”. Some thoughts from Nick Faldo when building his Bella Collina masterpiece include, “the natural rolling site with steep elevation changes is very unusual for Orlando”, and “the course will provide an inspiring golfing experience for members and guests for years to come.”

These courses are all within a 45-minute drive (and well worth the trip) of the popular Orlando hotel and condo choices. Also, Golf Zoo has made playing these courses easier by offering   “Florida Highlands Golf Trail” Packages that include great accommodations and great golf courses that places our golf customers within minutes of the courses noted above.

Call us today to book these great Golf Courses!

@ 800-929-7300

(OR)

Visit our GolfZoo Website and check-out the Florida Highlands Golf Trail!

Grand Resorts Properties in Florida

I've been selling golf packages for Golf Zoo in Florida for around 7 years now.  Recently 3 resorts in Florida have been purchased by Salamander Hospitality group.  The three properties are Innisbrook in Tampa, Reunion in Orlando and Hammock Beach in Palm Coast.  These are all nice properties and are all unique in what they offer a group of golfers.  I'm going to give our readers my honest (as I always do) opinion of these three properties, again this is just my opinion.

Innisbrook/Tampa, Florida:

This property has been around for quite awhile.  The lodging portion of the property is 40+ years old.  The new owners have come in over the last couple of years and really upgraded the units. There is basically 4  room types - deluxe guest room, junior suite, one bedroom suite and two bedroom suite.  All the lodging types have upgraded furniture, bedding, tv's, etc...  The property has upgraded their dining options and even added a great bar and outdoor patio area at the main check-in office.  A nice thing for the client while staying there is access to shuttle service to get around the property, by just picking up the phone.

Golf - the resort has four golf courses on site.  The most talked about and know is the famed Copperhead Golf Course - home of a PGA Tour event.  I have played this golf course numerous times and really enjoy it.  It is a difficult golf course which offers a lot of different hole types.  My second favorite course at Innisbrook is The Island Golf Course.  This course also offers a great layout, but is more forgiving than the Copperhead course. The other two courses are the South and North and I prefer the South more than the North.  The South is a little different than the other courses on property and offers more of a links feel.  The North is a shot makers course for sure - not long, but very tight and penal if you game is off.

There are mainly two package types we offer at this resort - keep in mind that Innisbrook is a stay and play property, as all three resorts are - meaning, you have to stay there to play there.

Our first package is the Classic Stay and Play.  In a nutshell, you get a round of golf  for each night you stay at the resort, along with use of practice range.  This is my opinion is our more popular package because of the price point for our clients.  The second package we offer is the Preferred Stay and Play.  The main difference is you get a round on arrival and departure - basically an extra round beyond the number of nights you stay.  This package also includes breakfast, use of range and a small arrival gift bag.  In most cases this package can double the Classic Stay and Play package in price - not sure if the extra round and breakfast warrant the golfer to pay that much more - again, just my opinion.

Again, you have to stay at this resort in order to play the courses.

Reunion Resort/Orlando, Florida:

This is a fantastic 54 hole property, my opinion - one of the best properties in Florida.  The resort is a large property consisting of 3 restaurants and a couple of bars at the main check in area.  The property itself has numerous lodging choices that consist of 2 and 3 bedroom villas along 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 bedroom homes.  The villa types are either deluxe or superior villa's.  Both types are really nice, basically not a huge difference in villas.  The villas will have one more bed than the number of bedrooms, basically 3 beds in a 2 bedroom and 4 beds in a 3 bedroom.  As far as the homes, similar type description - deluxe and superior.  The resort has numerous pool through out the villa complexes, a great practice range and a water park.

Golf - There are three great courses on site.  Legacy is the Arnold Palmer designed course.  This is probably the easiest of the three courses.  This course is fairly forgiving, especially off the tee.  There is some water and bunkers, but nothing that is too penal.  Tradition is the Jack Nicklaus designed course.  This is the newest of the three courses and has grown in popularity with the golfers.  This particular course is away from the main clubhouse.  This is a tough golf course, but very enjoyable.  Independence is the Tom Watson designed course.  This is my favorite course of the three.  This has a variety of great holes with numerous bunkers, very well placed.

Again, you have to stay at Reunion Resort in order to play the courses.

Hammock Beach/Palm Coast, Florida:

Hammock Beach is a fantastic ocean front property, located about 30 minutes north of  Daytona Beach, Florida.  Due to its location, you have two options as far as International airports.  Jacksonville airport - 80 mile drive to Hammock Beach.  Orlando airport - 100 mile drive to Hammock Beach.  Two other airports that you can also check are Daytona airport and Sanford airport, both small airports - but may offer options.

This resort consists of four lodging properties, three types on site and one off site.  The three properties on site are the following:  The lodge, located on the ocean and consist of hotel rooms, both ocean view and ocean front. The main building, again on the ocean.  This building will have 3 and 4 bedroom villas, again both ocean view and ocean front (main tower). The Resort view buildings, located behind the main building and offer 2 and 3 bedroom tropical view units.  As with Reunion, the villas will have one more bed than the number of bedrooms listed.  The offsite property which is on the Inter-coastal and offer 2 and 3 bedroom units.  The Resort View units and the off site Inter-coastal units are the least expensive of the 4 unit types, but are very nice.  The resort has a restaurant on the second floor of the lodge.  It has a nice restaurant and a sushi bar in the main tower building, along with a bar area for dancing.  My favorite is the cigar lounge - large leather chairs and couches with a small bar area and it's own walk in humidor.  There is a fantastic pool and outdoor area between the main building and the ocean that offers food and drinks.  There is a lazy river, and two pools in the main area, along with a huge hot tub.  The lodge also has it's own adult only pool area - more secluded.

Golf - The property has two courses.  The Ocean Course is the Jack Nicklaus designed course.  Nicklaus considered this as his Pebble Beach of the East Coast.  This course has 6 holes with either the ocean behind the Green or Tee and two of those holes (9 and 18) are par 4's that run right along side the ocean.  Most of the inland holes are tree lined and bordered by water.  The Conservatory is the Tom Watson designed course.  This may be my favorite course of all the courses I have mentioned!  This is an offsite course, about 10-15 minutes max from the main building.  Tom Watson considers this, "one of his best designed courses".  This course is very pretty and offers a lot of different challenges for the golfer.

Again, you have to stay at Hammock Beach in order to play the courses.

Overall these are three unique properties that has something for every group of golfers.  None of these resorts I would consider inexpensive, but each one is worth the money in it's own way.  If  I had to rank each facility in order of the best overall package - I consider that lodging and golf.  I would rank them in this order - Reunion Resort, then Hammock Beach, then Innisbrook.  This doesn't mean that any of them are bad or lower end properties - just my preference and opinion.

I hope this helps our Golf  Zoo customers with some insight to some properties in Florida that we offer.  Please feel free to contact me to put together you next Florida golf package getaway.  I can be reached directly at 888.333.6103 or by email - glen@golfzoo.com.

The Wonderful World of Disney Golf

Disney World is not purely about glitters and fireworks. Well, for the most part it is. This is where everybody's favorite Disney characters come to life – or rather, larger-than-life. This complete and ideal vacation destination was made with the whole family in mind so that no one would be left out. Yes, no one, including golf loving dads.

Golfers, in general, would not at all feel left out here. Disneyworld has, as a matter of fact, a set of five championship golf courses all made to thrill, excite, and bring out every golfer's fantasy to reality. Four of these courses are Joe Lee designs, one is a Tom Fazio, and all of them are magnificent.

Disney's Lake Buena Vista
Exciting, fun and challenging, with a four-star rating from Golf Digest's Places to Play, the Lake Buena Vista Course is one unforgettable course. There is so much beauty in the natural pine and palmetto forests lining the edges of the course, as much as there is a storybook quality to the pastel-colored villas and little boats on sparkly ponds. It measures 6,819 yards from the longest tees, par 72.

Disney's Magnolia Golf Course
Dotted with more than a thousand magnolia trees, the Mag as it is lovingly called, is not only literally fragrant but enchanting as well. It features elevated tees and greens, rolling terrain and more than 90 bunkers. But the most memorable highlight of this course is not a “signature hole” but a “signature bunker” - a Mickey Mouse-shaped bunker guarding the 6th hole. It is close to 7,500 yards in length, par 72.

Disney's Osprey Ridge

The only course on the Disney facility that was not designed by Joe Lee, the Osprey Ridge course could not and should never be accounted as anything less. This course was made by an equally legendary architect, Tom Fazio. Not only is this challenging, with water on nine holes and forests of pines, palmettos and bay trees on the edges, it is also a certified Audubon International Sanctuary for its well-preserved wetlands. It measures 7,101 yards, par 72, and holds a four and a half star rating from Golf Digest.

Disney's Palm Golf Club

This has quite a reputation among the PGA Tour courses. For one, it is beautiful. Notably beautiful, that is, with tree-lined fairways, sparkling lakes, lots of Florida sand, and water playing on nine of its eighteen holes. That's the reason why this course is named among America's Top 75. That, and it's 18th hole, known to be one of the longest closing holes in the PGA Tour.

Contact our Golf Zoo Travel Specialist and book a vacation to 

 Golf Courses in Orlando, Florida Today!! 

Please Call: 800-929-7300!!

How About “Mountain Golf” in Florida?

YES....MOUNTAIN GOLF...IN FLORIDA?!

The diverse landscape of the area just north of Orlando known as the “Florida Highlands”, is home to some of the most scenic vistas in the state of Florida – and great, natural terrain golf courses. OK…we’re not talking the Rockies or the Appalachians, but in a state most think as flat and ringed with sugar-white sand beaches, we do have some elevations.

Fortunately for us golfers, these elevations are within minutes of Orlando and are home to some of the highest-rated courses in the state. Check out the courses we refer to as Florida “Mountain Golf”… Bella Collina, Sanctuary Ridge, The Legends Club, and Mission Inn. 








The designers of the courses noted above, did not move much earth during course construction. The natural “mountain” terrain, sand barrens, natural lakes and native vegetation mostly dictated the course design characteristics. El Campeon, “The Champion” at Mission Inn was designed and built in 1917, and like other courses born during that era, the natural terrain - not a bulldozer, was “the designer”. Some thoughts from Nick Faldo when building his Bella Collina masterpiece include, “the natural rolling site with steep elevation changes is very unusual for Orlando”, and “the course will provide an inspiring golfing experience for members and guests for years to come.”

These courses are all within a 45-minute drive (and well worth the trip) of the popular Orlando hotel and condo choices. Also, Golf Zoo has made playing these courses easier by offering   “Florida Highlands Golf Trail” Packages that include great accommodations and great golf courses that places our golf customers within minutes of the courses noted above.

Call us today to book these great Golf Courses!

@ 800-929-7300

(OR)

Visit our GolfZoo Website and check-out the Florida Highlands Golf Trail!

Guide to Orlando golf

If you have kids, or are a kid at heart, Orlando means one thing: Walt Disney World. If you're a golfer at heart, Orlando means not only Disney World, but also a slew of outstanding public, semi-private and resort golf courses. It seems like half of the PGA Tour makes Orlando a home, likely due to its fine airport, wonderful climate, superior golf facilities — and hey, we've got to throw in Florida's lack of a personal income tax, too. Pros such as Tiger Woods, Mark O'Meara and Nick Faldo hang out mostly at such private enclaves as Isleworth and Lake Nona, but you never know when you'll run into one of these celebrities at a restaurant or grocery store. Best of all, Orlando has so many public-access Tour courses; you can feel like a star merely by putting your peg in the ground.

What's New in Town

Give and take is the theme these days in O-Town. The real estate slump has shuttered the Ginn Open, won by Lorena Ochoa, but you can still play its distinctive venue, the Independence Course at Ginn Reunion Resort. This course is an entertaining Tom Watson design in 2002 that features the massive moguls, wildly undulating greens, and the vast sandy waste areas.

After the closure of the Pete Dye-designed Eagle Pines in 2007, Disney will have the new addition to its golf courses this fall with the debut of a new Rees Jones creation. Technically, the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club is not a Disney property, but it's surrounded on three sides by the Disney Resort. The course will serve guests of two new hotels, the Waldorf Astoria Orlando and the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek.

GOLF Magazine's 3rd Best New Private Course of 2008, Sugarloaf Mountain Golf & Town Club, has attempted to weather the economic downturn by keeping its doors open to public play.
Perfectly set on a remarkably rolling terrain located just 40 minutes west of Orlando, Sugarloaf’s Bill Coore/Ben Crenshaw eighteen dishes out 250 feet of elevation change. The layout’s occasionally blind tee shots as well as the heaving fairways hearken back to the classic lay-of-the-land designs that date back 90 years and more and views of Lake Apopka add further nuance to the experience.

The Trophy Collection

The closest thing Orlando has to royalty is Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge, a civilized island in the city's sea of glitz and glamour that serves as winter home for the King. The Challenger/Champion nines make up the layout that has played host to the PGA Tour since 1979 and it's full of long, flat, no-nonsense, boldly bunkered holes that play over and around seven massive lakes. Drop-dead sceneries are not visible in the area. It would be just about the players and one challenging breeze-fueled holes. The relentless shot-making demands would make it easier for you to understand why Tiger Woods, a defending champion, has won several times in this course including the 2000-2003 four-peat.

An even older PGA Tour stop is at Walt Disney World which is home to the Palm Course and Magnolia Course that made their big-league debut in 1971. It was when Jack Nicklaus won the first of three straight. Of these two Joe-Lee designed spreads, two-time Ryder Cupper Chris DiMarco says, "The Mag used to be a great course — and it still is if you stay away from the back tees they put in back in 2005. The Palms is a lot of fun, with reachable par-5s." The Magnolia Golf Course tips out at 7,516 yards, but there's big fun to be had from any tee at the par-3 6th, which features a green protected at the right-front by a bunker shaped like Mickey Mouse's head. The Palm is the slightly tighter of the two, with many holes edged by jungle-like forest, with wildlife to match. Still, the premier Disney course is Tom Fazio's Osprey Ridge, which is distinguished by its mounds, its wetlands and its huge, very three-puttable greens.

Continuing the "magic" theme, I would put Grand Cypress Resort's New Course on your Orlando must-play list. Jack Nicklaus' homage to the Old Course at St. Andrews features no trees, minimal water (in the form of winding burns), semi-blind shots, double greens and more than 140 bunkers, some as much as 12 feet deep, where a ladder provides access. It's not everybody's cup of tea, but when the wind is up and the course is playing firm, it's like Scotland in sunshine.

Best of the Rest

Tiger Woods once uncovered that Ritz-Carlton, Orlando, Grande Lakes contained some of the best courses he had ever putted. The low-profile Greg Norman design eases past oaks, lakes and wetlands, but it's the service, facilities and conditioning that make it worth the hefty fee.

Ginn Reunion Resort's Independence course might be the best of the property's three choices, but the flower-laden Legacy course, crafted by Arnold Palmer, is close behind. The resort’s newest layout, a Jack Nicklaus product, typifies the essence of what Florida golf is all about even more when its new clubhouse opens next year.

ChampionsGate’s two tracks – The National Course and The International Course, both a flattish creation of the famed Greg Norman are also attracting plenty of guests year. The International Course that plays host to early December's Del Webb Father/Son Challenge, is probably one of the most coveted invitations the PGA and Champions Tour players get all year. The on-site Omni hotel is a plus, as is one of golf's greatest institutions of higher learning, the David Leadbetter Golf Academy, which has its headquarters here.

Orange County National's Crooked Cat and Panther Lake both serve as PGA Tour Q-School tests and comprise perhaps the best values in the Orlando area, though they're often overlooked, so superb are the practice facilities and Phil Ritson Golf School.

To keep up with the Joneses, you'll need to tackle Celebration Golf Club, one of the final collaborations between Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Jr. The course’s strategically deployed water hazards as well as the slopey greens will instantly give you an idea who designed the holes.


These are just a few of the great courses in the Orlando area. As you can see, there are nusmerous options for great golf with all sorts of pricing. Peak season green fees in Orlando can range from $70 to $150 plus. Looking for a Golf Vacation Specialist to help you plan your next golf getaway, you can call Glen at 888.333.6103 or email me at 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.

Orlando- 2010 Top North American Golf Destination

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando has been voted “North American Golf Destination of the Year 2010” by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO), it was announced in Malaga, Spain at the annual international awards ceremony for the golf tourism industry. The event was widely covered by print, online and broadcast media including CNN International, ESPN Star Sports Asia and the Golf Channel.

IAGTO Chief Executive Officer Peter Walton said, “This is outstanding recognition for an aspect of the Orlando experience that is outside of its world-renowned theme parks. This award acknowledges not only the quality of the golf offerings in Orlando but the service provided to golfers and tour operators worldwide. With this award, our members recognize that Orlando has achieved a winning combination for golfers worldwide.”

“Orlando is well-known for its theme park thrills off the course – it’s very exciting to see that we are now becoming known for our thrills on the course,” said Gary C. Sain, president and CEO of the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. “With 177 golf courses providing every type and level of golf experience, we like to say that Orlando is golf’s ultimate theme park. We are honored to have this prestigious award from IAGTO and the acknowledgment from its members for the efforts we have put in to developing our vast golf offerings from our award-winning golf courses, to our top golf instructors and the acclaimed professional events we host every year. ”

The selection for winning destinations is made through votes cast by over 300 golf tour operators from 50 countries who consider customer satisfaction; quality of golf courses and accommodation; value for money; support from suppliers, tourist boards and airlines; professional conduct of suppliers; and accessibility to tee times. North American finalist destinations nominated for the award included Hawaii, Miami, Fla. and Palm Beach Fla.

You can contact me at 888.333.6103 or email me at glen@golfzoo.com to discuss golf packages in Orlando, or anywhere else in Florida.

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...

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.

New Restaurant - Metro West/Orlando, Florida

Blazing its way onto Orlando's restaurant scene, the new Dan Marino's Tavern on the Lake in Veranda Park achieves the ultimate upscale casual dining experience in a true neighborhood restaurant setting. Dan Marino's already has established itself as THE place where people are connecting - on the waterfront patio, in the stylish bar, in the elegant dining area.
At Dan Marino's, Chef Patrick Steele brings an imaginative approach to the menu that is remarkable in casual dining. His menu elevates traditional American dishes - steaks, pork chops, roast chicken, meat loaf - with innovative twists and the freshest ingredients to create the restaurant's hallmark American Contemporary Fare.
For wine enthusiasts, the wine list offers familiar favorites and exciting alternatives by the bottle and glass. Beer lovers have plenty of reasons to love Dan Marino's - nearly 100 beers in many styles, from ales and pilsners to stouts and porters, including several hand craft selections.
The stylish and welcoming bar area at Dan Marino's is a destination in itself. Friendly and attentive bartenders make every patron feel like a regular. And true to its namesake, Dan Marino's provides deluxe sports viewing with seven flat screen, high definition televisions spaced throughout the indoor and outdoor bar area.
With a menu that elevates traditional American cuisine and an inviting environment for lakefront dining, Dan Marino's had created a neighborhood tradition that is anything but traditional.
So when planning you next golf package to Orlando, visit us at http://www.golfzoo.com/ or call me at 888.333.6103 (glen@golfzoo.com). I will make sure to set up a round of golf near Dan Marino's, so you can enjoy 18 holes of golf - followed by a great meal.

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.