Which is Better at Kiawah Island, Homes or Villas?

There are a few main things to consider. First, how important to you is camaraderie on a golf vacation? When everyone stays under the same roof, this generally leads to maximum bonding and fun. Of course, this assumes that everyone gets along well and is easygoing.

If you have guys in your group (I'm assuming this is a buddies trip) who like having things "their own way," it might be best to divide them up into villas. Kiawah Island Resort has one- to four-bedroom villas available.

Second, with respect to Kiawah in particular, if you're looking for the ultimate in luxury and amenities, you may want to stay in a home. Kiawah Island Resort has four- to eight-bedroom homes available.

The "premier" homes all have pools; plus, bicycles and access to the fitness center are included. And while some of the villas are luxurious, too, I don't think they can quite match the overall luxury experience — and privacy — of the homes. If this isn't important to you, the villas might be the way to go. continued...

By: Craig Better of GolfVacatonInsider.com

The Crossings at Carlsbad (San Diego) Newest Gem

We have recently added The Crossings at Carlsbad for our San Diego clients by world renowned golf course architect Greg Nash. It's quite unique in that it's set on 400 acres, there's ample natural reserves throughout the course. Located in the upscale coastal community of Carlsbad, it's only 30 minutes from downtown San Diego, close to the Pacific Ocean and offers beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean on some holes. The views of rugged southern California canyons, protected natural habitats, wetlands and distant views make this a must play while in San Diego. The clubhouse is one of the most spectacular I've seen anywhere, and offers great dining after the round with views of the Pacific Ocean.

What Friends do on a Myrtle Beach Golf Vacation …..

Never been to Myrtle Beach? Well tune into the Golf Channel this January and you will see what goes on first hand. A film crew is currently on the south end of the Grand Strand shooting four of 12 episodes that will depict the exploits of a group on a somewhat typical golf trip.

The foursome is made up of former PGA Tour pro and ESPN commentator Charlie Rymer, singer/songwriter Josh Kelley, Hootie & the Blowfish guitarist and solo artist Mark Bryan, and Perry Swenson, a member of the women's Duramed Futures Tour, the developmental tour of the LPGA.

Each episode will air in prime time and include several holes of golf and of course their nightly activities.

"The idea is: Here is a day in the life in Myrtle Beach," said Mickey Holden, who was hired by the Golf Channel to produce the series. "There's always golf, but there's always stuff off the course. I know from my own travels, when I go play golf I want a whole experience. ... I want to listen to some music and have some fun. That's what this show is all about ... showcasing golf in Myrtle Beach in a new way. Instead of telling people, 'Hey man, you can have a lot of fun in Myrtle Beach,' we're going to show people having fun."

If you are looking for further insight into Myrtle Beach call one of our local sales representatives at 888.765.0809 or go to http://www.golfzoo.com/.

Golf Packages - What a Great Gift Idea!

'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 to any destination that we offer, complete with pictures, for any occasion- Merry Christmas! Happy Birthday! Happy Anniversary! New this year - we have made buying your gift certificate for that special someone even easier - you can now buy your gift certificate online via Google Checkout, just click here to begin. Or you can still give Golf Zoo a call @ 800-929-7300, and let us design a great golf travel gift for you!

Happy Holidays!

Linda

New Indian Wells Course to Play in Palm Springs

I don't envy the staff at the Indian Wells Golf Resort right now. First, they have to help host the Skins Game this weekend, the nationally televised event being played on their Celebrity Course, and then they have to follow that up next week by unveiling the newest course to play on a Palm Springs golf vacation, their John Fought-designed Players Course. Talk about needing a breather.

Technically, Fought, who did the restoration work at Pine Needles prior to this year's U.S. Women's Open, redesigned the course, but the resort makes a point of pointing out that, "the mature tree cover and geographical location are about the only two things that the original East Course (opened in 1986) and the new Players Course have in common. By design, the Players Course is completely different than the original golf course." continued...

by Craig Better, GolfVacationInsider.com

Famous Golf Quotes - Part 1 of 2

Famous Golf Quotes ... so we're told.

Winston Churchill: "Golf is like chasing a quinine pill around a cow pasture."

Jack Benny: "Give me the fresh air, a beautiful partner, and a nice round of golf, and you can keep the fresh air and the round of golf."

Lee Trevino: "You can make a lot of money in this game. Just ask my ex-wives. Both of them are so rich that neither of their husbands work."

Unknown: "Golf is not a game, it's bondage. It was obviously devised by a man torn with guilt, eager to atone for his sins."

Babe Ruth: "It took me seventeen years to get 3,000 hits in baseball. I did it in one afternoon on the golf course."

Lee Trevino: "I'm not saying my golf game went bad, but if I grew tomatoes, they'd come up sliced."

Sam Snead: "These greens are so fast I have to hold my putter over the ball and hit it with the shadow."

Paul Harvey: "Golf is a game in which you yell "fore," shoot six, and write down five."

Tommy Bolt, about the tempers of modern players : "They throw their clubs backwards, and that's wrong. You should always throw a club ahead of you so that you don't have to walk any extra distance to get it."
Lee Trevino: "Columbus went around the world in 1492. That isn't a lot of strokes when you consider the course."
Tommy Bolt: "Putting allows the touchy golfer two to four opportunities to blow a gasket in the short space of two to forty feet."

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.

South Carolina Golf Vacations Rule!

Myrtle Beach nabbed second place in a recent Golf Digest survey that asked 4000 avid golfers & affluent travelers where they planned to vacation in 2008. Myrtle Beach was on the top 10 list of places that provide a high quality golf and overall vacation experience provided.

Hilton Head Island and Kiawah Island were also on the top ten list, The survey found that 73 percent of golfers research and plan vacations online.So hear is the good news: Linda and Craig both book these top ten destinations, give us a call @ 1-800-929-7300 and visit our website at http://www.golfzoo.com/, to customize your own dream golf vacation getaway.

Linda

The online survey was conducted in September by the Golf Digest Research Resource Center for the Travel Industry Association of America. Results were announced at the recent TIA Outlook Forum in Charlotte, N.C.

South Florida at it's Finest

I have been to Augusta National, Cypress Point, Laural Valley and now in Florida we have the same caliber of pampered care. It's name is The Fairmont Turnberry Isle. I had the opportunity to not only play this great course, but also to stay at this world class resort. From the moment of arrival to departure, I can truly say I have never been so spoiled. First let's talk accommodations, from the marble entryways to the custom bathrooms to the scenic views from every window and vantage point - this place exudes class and comfort. Second, the golf experience is second to none on the planet. With its tour-quality caddies and its unmatched manicured courses, it is sure to be a hit with even the most particular golfer. Lastly, the food was a culinary experience with the fork-tender steaks and the unrivaled attention to detail. This is the energizer of all resorts to recharge your battery.

Impressive Golf Course Water Conservation Measures

LAS VEGAS, Nevada – OB Sports Golf Management, management group for Angel Park and The Legacy Golf Clubs, recently completed an ambitious turf removal project designed to limit the amount of out-of-play turf on two of its Las Vegas Golf Clubs. Angel Park Golf Club is a 36-hole facility located in the Summerlin area of Las Vegas. Its Mountain Course and Palm Course were both designed by Arnold Palmer. The Legacy Golf Club, a true test of golf at 7,233 yards from the back tees, is conveniently located 10 minutes from McCarran International Airport. The 10th hole may be the most recognizable in Las Vegas with tee boxes in the shape of a spade, club, diamond and heart.

The project, conducted in conjunction with the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA), removed approximately 70 acres of turf at Angel Park alone, which translates into nearly a 28 percent reduction of turf overall at the 36-hole facility. Angel Park and The Legacy were built in the late 1980’s when water was less of a critical issue, both have always been extremely conscious with efficient irrigation practices. Now with Southern Nevada in a drought, replacing the turf with desert/xeriscape landscaping is the responsible thing to do. Roughly 33 acres of turf was removed from Angel Park’s 18-hole Mountain Course and nearly as much from the 18-hole golf course at The Legacy Golf Club.

The new Southwest Desert look has received rave reviews by the golfers, not only does it look great, but it will conserve a staggering 80 million gallons of water per year. We are impressed with this pro-active measure by Angel Park and Legacy Golf Clubs and encourage more golf clubs to do the same.