Top 10 er... 15 Golf Vacation Planning Tips!

Getting pumped for that Golf Vacation that you have been thinking about all Winter? We have asked our Golf Vacation Specialists here at Golf Zoo what are their Top 10 Golf Vacation Planning Tips. Without further ado...

1. Plan ahead! If you want the "prime tee-times" you need to book months in advance. Many times package providers can book a tee-time six months before an individual can.
2. Work with an individual that knows the area well and plays golf - not a call center with no personal touch.
3. Make sure you know your dates of travel before you book or start quoting prices to your golf buddies. Golf travel prices are dictated by the time of year and one day can double the price. Ask when the rates change, and you can keep more of your change in your pocket.
4. Have a pretty clear cut idea on what each individual of your Golf Group wants to pay for the trip.
5. Be flexible with your tee times - everyone wants 8-9 AM, but remember that some courses offer reduced rates for late morning and early PM tee times.
6. If you can plan your golf trip to happen during the week - rates can be lower than weekends and less crowded on the course.
7. In some cases - Villas, Condos and Homes can be less expensive than hotels, and a lot more fun for the group.
8. If a deal sounds too good to be true it probably is. So do your homework and find out what kind of "deal" it really is.
9. Find out if you can pre-book replays and don't always plan on a tee time being available when you are done your first 18 holes.
10. Don't spend hours making phone calls, changing tee-times, and leaving credit card numbers when all you have to do is call Golf Zoo.

5 BONUS Tips!

1. Bring your balls...
2. And extra gloves as well
3. Bring your umbrella, even though it won't get wet in the garage
4. Get your golf shoes re-spiked, even if they haven't needed it since 1985

and finally:

5. Leave the pencil with the eraser at home - it's a dead giveaway...

Do you have your own tips that you would like to share? We would love to hear from you! Post your comments below!

CP's Top Three Scottsdale 36 hole combos!

Coming to Scottsdale, and want to get as much golf in as you can??? Here (in my humble opinion) are the best 36 hole days in the valley.

#1 - Gold Canyon - Sidewinder and Dinosaur Mountain

This is still my favorite 36 hole day. You've got both courses at the same facility, and it's good to warm up on the Sidewinder course in the morning, get your swing in shape, and grab a cold beer (and a prayer) at the turn to take on the formidable Dinosaur Mountain in the afternoon. It's a good 30-40 minute drive east from Scottsdale, but well worth it!

#2 - Golf Club at Eagle Mountain and SunRidge Canyon

Play two of the best tracks in the valley with Eagle and SunRidge - definitely play Eagle in the morning, as it's the more forgiving of the two - most of the fairways here are bowl shaped, so if you spray it a little off the tee, you're still O.K. Views are awesome, and Eagle has the best staff in the valley. Feeling confident? Super. Now we'll bury you on the back nine at SunRidge Canyon. SunRidge is a similar course as far as topography to Eagle, but MUCH MORE DIFFICULT. I think SunRidge has the best "3 finishing holes" in the state. #16, a true 3 shot par 5, then make sure to play from the tips at #17 - a ridiculous par 3 that's all carry over the valley, ending with a dog leg left long par 4 to finish. (No worries - you just gotta hit a 275 yard draw over fairway bunkers that are in play in order to have any prayer at par) You'll need a cold one after the back nine at SunRidge, but you'll HAVE to return...

#3 - TPC Stadium and Grayhawk Talon

For this one, you have to have 2 things... SOME GAME AND LOTSA CASH. Definitely one of the more expensive 36 hole combos, but worth the money if you wanna play where the pros do... Start at TPC Stadium, as the front nine is relatively gentle, and ends with a fantastic last 4 holes, then take the 10 minute drive north to Grayhawk Golf Club, where the clubhouse is spectacular, the service second to none, and the beer seems a little colder at Phil's Grill. Talon, a tougher test than TPC but not unfair for the typical hack if they play from the Terra Cotta tees. (5867 yards is all you'll want with this course if you're a 15 or more) I like Talon more than Raptor as it seems like the fairways are a little wider, and it has an island green on #17, "Devil's Drink" which is a great hole to take a little of your buddies pocket cash on a "closest to the pin" bet. Make sure to either have lunch before, or dinner after your round at Phil's Grill - great food and service, and some cool memorabilia.

Scottsdale has alot of great 36 hole days, but in my opinion, (and I've done 'em all), these are Scottsdale's "Top 3".

Great Happy Hours In Myrtle Beach!

After a day on the links in beautiful Myrtle Beach, South Carolina you are probably ready for an ice cold beer and some great food. But, chances are your low on cash after paying your gambling debts to your buddies. Well, here are some great happy hours that won’t cost you a lot of money.

Burro Loco- $5 Pitchers of Beer, Free Wings, Free Chips and Salsa, $3 Pizza, and ½ price Appetizers
Ron John’s- $5 Pitchers of Beer, $3 burgers, $.30 Wings
Liberty Steakhouse and Brewery- $2 micro-brew pints, ½ price Appetizers
Murphy’s Law Sports and Raw Bar- Dollar Drafts, $.35 wings
Master’s Gentleman’s Club-$2 bottles, $2.50 Vodka drinks
Overtime Sports Café- Daily drink and appetizer specials

If you are looking for other suggestions on golf, lodging, or restaurants give the knowledgeable golf vacation specialists at Golf Zoo a call (888) 777-7650.

Life in the Trap Golf Comic of the Week

Here is the new Life in the Trap golf comic strip this week!:

(click comic for a larger version)

Westin Villas in Rancho Mirage are Gorgeous!

Last week I had my first tour of the Westin Mission Hills Villas at Rancho Mirage and they are very impressive. Situated on beautiful grounds adjoining the main hotel and 36 holes by designers Pete Dye and Gary Player, the villa amenities leave nothing wanting. Every Premium Villa interconnects to a Deluxe Villa, so friends and family can be together or separate, this was an impressive feauture. The Premium Villas have 2 fireplaces, a King bed and sofa sleeper in the living area, inside laundry, a full kitchen and a patio with BBQ. The Deluxe Villas have a slightly smaller kitchen and living area, Queen bed and sofa sleeper, no BBQ or fireplaces, otherwise very similar, but the Deluxe Villa is definitely a cut above for spaciousness and amenities.

Villa guests have full run of all the Westin Mission Hills Resort facilities and amenities the hotel guests enjoy including reataurants, pools, jacuzzis, gymnasium, spa and there's a continuous shuttle running from the villas to the hotel and the golf courses. Kids love the pools, water slides, bike trails, volleyball, there's lots to do for everyone. These are beautiful villas, great location, and the price won't scare the hell out of you.

Fish out of Water?

Most folks don't think of Scottsdale, AZ as a city for seafood. If you are looking for this type of fare; I'd like to suggest the Ocean Club. The pricey menu offers an impressive menu with fresh fish caught daily from the coast of Oregon to the coast of New Zealand. Of course there is also a nice selection for steaks as well.

The atmosphere is a throw back to the old supper club days and the bar is a great place for appetizers and drinks. Portions are very generous, but you'll have to dig extra deep in your pockets for this meal! The Mastro Groups seafood restaurant in North Scottsdale is a popular place and reservations are suggested.
The Ocean Club is located at 15045 N. Kierland Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ, for reservations please call 480.443.8555.

Bon Appetit !!

Life in the Trap Golf Comics of the Week

Here are 2 new Life in the Trap golf comic strips this week!:

(click comics for larger versions)

Happy New Year!!!!!

Greetings from warm Myrtle Beach!!! Yes- it is December 30th and we are in the 60's. So Grab your clubs, Grab your Buddies and come on down, I know all the northern states are cold and snowy, wouldn't it be nice to hit the links without having to wear a parka!!! Go ahead and give us a call @ 800-929-7300, and we will create a great golf experience for you!!!!

Celebrate!!!

Linda

Back to Nature at the TPC of Myrtle Beach

Every golfer knows the TPC brand name and the service and course conditions that are associated with them. The TPC of Myrtle Beach is no exception, continuously ranked among the top courses in South Carolina. In fact they not only won 2005 Myrtle Beach Course of the year and they were just named South Carolina Course of the Year 2005 as well.

I have played several of the TPC courses and the reason I love Myrtle Beach so much is because it is not overdeveloped with homes. You will only see home sites on one three-hole stretch and the rest of the golf course is all towering pines, lakes, and beautiful grasses. Tom Fazio did a wonderful job of designing a golf course that is very fair and enjoyable from the forward tee boxes but an excellent test of golf from the tips.

The club recently completed all steps necessary to become a fully Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. The Audubon Program promotes ecologically sound land management and the conservation of natural resources. They are one of only two clubs along the Grand Strand to receive this certification.

Anyone who has played the TPC can vouch that there is all kinds of wildlife to be seen during your round. Locals tip: Hide your food! Before you start your round the cart attendant will supply you with a Nature Valley granola bar. I have not seen a bar make it past the third hole without a squirrel hopping into the cart grabbing the bar and then having themselves a nice snack. They are harmless but defiantly not shy. Just because you are in the cart don’t think they won’t join you.

If you would like to play this beautiful golf course and choose from many others log onto http://www.golfzoo.com/ and click on the Myrtle Beach link.

Golf Packages!! Wow What a Great Gift Idea

Well, 'Tis The Season, once again you are searching for the perfect gift for that special golfer on your list- Golf Zoo designs Gift Certificates for any amount and to any destination that we offer, complete with pictures, for any occasion- Merry Christmas! Happy Birthday! Happy Anniversary!

Give Golf Zoo a call @ 800-929-7300, and let us design a great golf travel gift for you !!!

Happy Holidays!

Linda