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!!

Florida's Nature Coast Golf Trail

Florida is a prime vacation destination for golfer enthusiast all through out the year. There are multiple different golf courses throughout Florida.  However, The Nature Coast Golf Trail is by far one of the most enjoyable courses in Florida. The Nature Coast Golf Trail is made up of three courses, the World Woods Golf Club; Plantation Inn and Golf Resort; and the Hernando Oaks Golf Club.

World Woods Golf Club

The World Woods Golf Club has a pair of championship courses, the Pine Barrens and the Rolling Oaks bearing the name of Tom Fazio as its designer. The Pine Barrens Course measuring a whooping 7,250 yards from the longest tees, par-71, and is ranked among the world's Top 100 Courses. It also holds a 5-star rating from Golf Digest's Places to Play, and is often compared to New Jersey's Pine Valley – a frequent topnotcher in the US Top 100 List. Its sibling course, the Rolling Oaks, on the hand, is reminiscent of the Augusta National with its Oaks, obviously, azalea bushes and rolling greens. It measures 7,275 yards from the longest tees.

Plantation Inn and Golf Resort
This golf course has been standing for the last half a century and it becomes like fine wine – it gets better as it gets older. The Mark Mahanah design is a superb 27-hole design that bears a traditional Florida golf design – it has its own brand of challenges, risks, and rewards that make it interesting. Water is a big factor, being present on 21 holes.

Hernando Oaks Golf Club
This is a painting of Olde Florida come to life. This Scott Pate design measurs a good 6,905 yards from the longest tees, par 72. It is a spectacle of huge oaks draped in Spanish moss and tree-lined fairways, and all the best visual treats expected of Olde Florida.

Contact our Golf Zoo Travel Specialist to book a vacation to one of the three courses at The Nature Coast Golf Trail!! 

Please Call: 800-929-7300!!

Gift Ideas For Golfers

As the old saying goes, It is better to give than to receive...
But to be on the giver's end means having to think up of the most appropriate gifts – the ones that would definitely leave a huge smile on the receiver's face. Not to mention, earn you an even bigger thank you. It is hard enough to find a gift for anyone, let alone golfers!

If you are looking to buy gifts for an entire family of golfers, here's a short list of gift ideas to make any golfer's Christmas extra, extra merry:

For Your Father:

Give Dad some hot new swag to take with him the next day he gets on the greens! And what better way to show off than get him a new GOLF BAG?! And the best part is, you can have it customized. It is easier to have some custom work done on all-leather golf bag than engrave dad's initials on his iron golf clubs. See if that does not make him feel all Tiger with his very own golf bag that bears his own emblem.

For Your Mother:

If Dad gets his golf bag, Mom should get her new set of skin care products that could keep her beautiful skin covered on the greens. Moisturizers, sun block, lip balm with sunblock, exfoliants – you name it. Or better yet, get her a gift certificate to the local aesthetics center for a more personalized service. Mom needs to look fab on the greens all the time, that's imperative!

For Your Sister:

Young ladies must always look their absolute best – and the best thing to give your sister is a pair of new golfer clothes--socks, polo's, etc. Dress her up a la Annika Sorenstam or Michelle Wie, or play with her favorite colors. It does not matter. Just make sure it fits her and it makes her feel good looking.

For Your Brother:

What's a better gift for a starting golfer but a starting kit itself? Get him his own mini golf bag (fashioned after Dad's!) and set of golf clubs! That's definitely a great way to get him going in the sport.

For The Entire Family:

A COMPLETE GOLF VACATION PACKAGE!  Get that gift certificate signed, sealed and delivered, and slip it into the family stocking. See if that won't get everyone scrambling off to pack their bags soon after the holidays. Not only does the family get to spend some much needed R n' R and quality time together, they also get to show off all their new stuff from Christmas. 

Palmetto Greens Golf

Palmetto Greens Golf and Country Club in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is a great place to spend a golf vacation. Architect Rick Robbins designed this stunning golf course with the intention to amaze the guest that visit this course. The 18 holes were uniquely designed to make them challenging enough for any skill level. To add up the charm, a 15 feet man made waterfall was made to highlight the 6,345 yards layout along with several other exciting features. And to provide golfers with a comfortable feel while at play, fairways were built on Norman Bermuda grasses and the greens on L93 Bent grass.

What was once known as the Colonial Charters Golf Club that was opened way back in 1988 is now Myrtle Beach’s newest course. After Rick Robbins remodeled the course, it was reopened in 2008 and was named as Palmetto Greens Golf and Country Club. And now it has been attracting golfing and non-golfing guests from almost all parts of the globe.

Here’s a quick look on some of the course’s challenging holes.

• The #1 hole, a 500-yard Par 5, features the large lake runs that are parallel to the fairway’s left side progressing all the way to the layout’s greens which makes the hole very intimidating.

• The #3 hole offers the Par-5 play that will challenge you after an easy hole #2.

• The #7 hole that offers a Par-4, 278-yard play is a risk-reward situation. Golfers must be able to decide on whether to opt for an over the water play or play safe and take the left.

• The #11 hole features the tree on the middle of the fairway. Land the golf ball behind the tree and you’ll be blocked on the second shot.

• The #18 hole is a Par-4 that features a dogleg right fairway that would require an uphill tee shot. Downhill approach shots will lead you all the way to an elevated green protected by the deep sand bunkers placed on the front and right side while off the left is a waste area. This final hole has been considered as toughest of them all.

Contact our Golf Zoo Travel Specialist to book a vacation to 

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina!!

Please Call: 800-929-7300!!

Golf Vacation Tips for the Non Golfing Wives

What Should Wives Do While Their Husband Is Golfing?!

Golf enthusiast are always looking forward to the time they are able to go on  golf vacations. Endless hours on the greens, one challenging hole after another, and meeting new people who share the same passion-- this is heaven for golf lovers!! But that does not extend to the wife who is obligated to spend her anniversary on a golf trip just o make her hubby extra happy. That why Golf Zoo Vacation Packages are should couples how to both love the sport of golf!!

So how does a non-golfing wife enjoy this kind of holiday? How and where would you be when he's on the putting greens? And how do you make this, still, truly a time to bond even when you do not enjoy the sport nor could you tell one golf club from the other?

The first secret is WHERE the golf vacation destination is located. If choose a destination that suits you both, then your well on your way to having fun!! Choose a place that has a lot of fun activities off the greens, not so much for your husband, but for you!! Your destination of choice must have fun activities for you to do while he does his thing on the greens! What are your options?!

Hit the beach while he hits the tees.
Florida, has lots of these. Some of the best beachside courses are here. And because the choices are varied and literally numerous, there would easily be one that fits your budget and taste.

Shop and splurge!
Hubby will most likely be forgiving if you use the credit card one too many times on the trip. Choose courses that are close to shopping districts. (Hello Las Vegas!)

Explore cultures.
The Valley areas have lots of heritage museums, shoppes, and historic centers where you can get to explore the glorious past America. A lot of old-age structures and even buildings are found in the Old South area (Georgia and South Carolina are calling your name!!) too.

Indulge
Most golf courses and hotels near the courses offer great spa treatments. White Sulphur Springs in West Virginia, is known for their outstanding spa services. Or find a course that has a Gym facility and exercise just like your man, but in a different way!  Courses in Canada, have a great array of options for you. 

Another key to achieving a memorable time on a golf vacation for you both is SCHEDULING. You both have to compromise – when he's off the greens, he should be with you. You both should be doing something nice together. Dinner, strolling, swimming, exploring the rest of the area. That is also another reason why the destinations are of utmost importance. You must find something fun to do TOGETHER. After all, the trip is about you two. If these tips are followed, there's no reason why you, dear wifey, should be sulking in the room waiting for your man to remember you. And no reason, too, for this epic trip, to be forgotten.

Contact our Golf Zoo Travel Specialist to book a Golf Vacation Today!! Please Call: 800-929-7300!!

Golf Zoo Offers Gift Certificates For Any Occasion

'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!

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

Happy Holidays!

Ocean View Golf

The Ocean View Golf Club is a stunning golf vacation destination in Bermuda. This meticulously manicured golf layout offers the true blue Atlantic waters as well as the scenic views that guests will surely enjoy while teeing. The executive length 9-hole course features 18 different tee positions that were set for a challenging par 70 allowing guests to take another round. Aside from the challenging golf holes, this amazing golf course also offers guests a perfect retreat away from the hustles of the busy by providing a tranquil atmosphere with the gentle ocean breezes that highlights a relaxing escape.

Considered as Bermuda’s premier golf destination, the Ocean View Golf Club was given a four-star rating by Golf Digest. This shot-maker’s layout features numerous elevation changes and the uniquely designed holes that will surely test every golfer’s handicap levels. The 18-hole play at 5,880 yards has the slope rating of 130 and a course rating of 68. And despite the hills that divide the greens and tee boxes, the distance from one hole to another are still manageable. Just having the great views along the way, you are already set for an ultimate golf adventure of a lifetime.


When you’re heading to Ocean View Golf Club, it’s not just about the challenging holes and the undulating greens that will give you an experience of a lifetime. The resort also provides guests with sumptuous cuisines, something that will replenish their fervor while relaxing at the club’s cozy bar or restaurant. While taking a break, you will also be surprised with the local course veterans that will share their fascinating stories about Ocean View’s rich history that dates way back the World War II.

Contact our Golf Zoo Travel Specialist to book a vacation to 

Ocean View Golf Club in Bermuda Today!!

CALL 800-929-7300!!

Dragon Ridge Country Club

The Dragon Ridge Country Club is a golf masterpiece designed by the famed Jay Morrish and Dave Druzisky. This semi-private golf facility is perfectly nestled at the McCullogh Mountains foothills located south of the popular “Las Vegas Strip”. And in the span of five years since the golf course had its debut, Dragon Ridge has served as the proud host of several golf competitions including the Wendy’s Three Tour Challenge and the Tiger Jam III and IV. The golf course has also been cited by reputable golf publications as one of the country’s top golf vacation destinations with the course rating of 72.9 and a slope rating of 143.

Dragon Ridge Country Club offers challenging 7,000-yards of play to golfers of all ability levels. The entire layout features the generous fairways, multiple desert washes, water features, bunkers, and the sets of tee boxes. The #2 hole has been considered as the most prominent hole in the entire layout offering a 229-yard par-3 play from the tips with the tee box situated on top of the mountain. Holes #10 and #8 are also among the tricky holes that every golfer must look out for while on play. In dealing with these two intimidating holes, you must have the smart shot selection in order to go through the split fairways. Aside from the fair test of golf, the course also provides the golfing guests with the most breathtaking vistas of the Las Vegas Valley.

Dragon Ridge Country Club also boasts of its full driving range facility. Guests can take advantage of the well-maintained chipping and putting greens. And after an exciting golf round, the clubhouse is a perfect place for relaxation along with a perfect view of the entire city. Appropriate golf dress code is strictly implemented during play.

Contact our Golf Zoo Travel Specialist to book a vacation to Las Vegas, Nevada!!!

Call 800-929-7300!!!

Golf in Whistler, BC, Canada

Whistler in Canada is more than just its picturesque snow-capped mountains and stunning cerulean blue lakes. It offers more activities than just great outdoors and world-class skiing. Whistler, as a resort town, brings a complete lineup of recreational facilities that everyone can enjoy. The latest addition to its prominent resort features is GOLF.

As a golf destination, Whistler has already been ranked one of the "Top 20 Greatest Golf Destinations" in the World" by Golf Digest and is the "Number One Golf Resort in Canada" according to Canada's Golf Course Ranking Magazine. Whistler also has several world-class accommodations to complement the vacation package.

Some of Whistler's best – also ranking among the world's best – are designed by the likes of Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. Here's what's on the top list: Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club; Meadows at Pemberton Golf Course; Big Sky Golf and Country Club; Nicklaus North Golf Club; Whistler Golf Club – Palmer Course; and Furry Creek Golf Club.


Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club
True to Robert Trent Jones Sr.'s design principle, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club follows the naturally rugged terrain of this side of the Coast Mountain ranges. The designer did very little intervention to the contours of the land, thereby giving it character – of dramatic elevation changes and natural hazards of creeks, ponds, ancient Douglas firs and granite rocks. This 18-hole par-72 golfing paradise is as challenging as it is picture-perfect you'd think it's made straight out of a Hallmark card.

Meadows at Pemberton Golf Course
The Meadows at Pemberton Golf Course is a pair of contrasting nines, but surprisingly compliment each other. The front nine is an open meadow with a signature 8th hole island green, and the back nine is forested and makes for a challenging close to the game. This characteristic of the course gives golfers a hard time deciding whether it was an easy or difficult game. They would, however, agree that it was one of the best, most heart-wrenching courses they've played ever.

Big Sky Golf and Country Club
Set at the base of Mt Currie, Big Sky Golf and Country Club may be the best golf course British Columbia has to offer. The Robert Cupp design features excellence in playability as well as scenic quality that is unique to Big Sky, with high grade bent grass from tee to greens and Ravensdale sand bunkers to make for the perfect golf conditions.


Nicklaus North Golf Club
The Jack Nicklaus par-71, 18-hole design carries his signature bunkers and his name – the only one amongst his “Signature Courses” to bear his name. It is accented with the most beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and Whistler's Green Lake, making it one of the most picturesque Nicklaus courses and perhaps in all of North America. As is expected in a Jack Nicklaus design, the conditioning is beyond superb, the playability, excellent, and the game is always memorable.


Whistler Golf Club – Palmer Course
Another course with a superstar status, thanks to its designer, is the Whistler Golf Club – Palmer Course. This is the first of Arnold Palmer's designs in Canada, and it offers an unparalleled view of Whistler's best Blackcomb and Whistler Mountains at every turn. Golfers would have to battle being awe-struck at the natural hazards of lakes, ancient cedars and the surrounding forest.

Furry Creek Golf Club
This is that one golf course in the entire town of Whistler that takes you closest to nature, and captures the best of nature's views. It offers a panoramic vista of the surrounding ocean and the great wildlife of British Columbia. The 6.001-yard Robert Muir Graves-design was a former private course but was opened to the public in April of 1994.

There's a reason why Whistler, Canada is called a resort town. And there's a reason, too, why tourists from all over the globe flock to Whistler's offering of the best tourist facilities, whether it's for the great outdoors, skiing, or golfing.

Contact our Golf Zoo Travel Specialist to book a vacation to Whistler Golf Resort, in Canada!!!

Call 800-929-7300

Eight Golf Courses of Pinehurst

People who enjoy golfing prefer being in high 70 degree weather during the winter months. That's why Pinehurst, North Carolina is a perfect place for avid golfers during the holidays. Pinehurst resort has received a rating of 4 stars and 4 diamond stars for the incomparable service it offers. Pinehurst's golf vacation packages offer visitors to stay at the Carolina Hotel, newly restored Holly Inn, the quaint Manor Inn or condominiums. 

Pinehurst No. 1
With a slope from 114 to 116, Pinehurst No. 1 is a good golf vacation destination. This 9-hole, par 70, and 6,182-yard course began in 1898 and reopened in March 2008 after a series of renovations that escalated its status from being a favorite to an even bigger favorite.

Pinehurst No. 2
The Pinehurst No. 2 is rated among the top ten in the US. The gold tees have a slope of 137, but from the other tees, the slopes range from 122 to 133 so most players can enjoy every game without being a scratch golfer. Since its beginning in 1907, there have been more championship rounds played on this course than any other course in the country. This golf course will be home to the US Open in 2014.

Pinehurst No. 3
Donald Ross designed this golf course in 1910. A slope of 115-116 with new Bent Grass greens. This short course ranges from 5,232 from the Red Tees to just 5,682 yards from the White Tees. A character-filled place, Pinehurst No. 3 makes for a good warm-up stay.

Pinehurst No. 4
Still retaining much of its original Donald Ross design after being renovated by Tom Fazio in 2000, Pinehurst No. 4 is a very challenging yet fun course to play. It can slip players up with 140 pot bunkers. It has two of the most scenic holes at the resort , including 13 and 14, both waterholes.

Pinehurst No. 5
Pinehurst No. 5 features many water hazards. Up and down hills follow the natural lay of this Ellis Maples design, which opened 1961. It is a classic course that golfers shouldn't miss on their trip to Pinehurst.

Pinehurst No. 6
Another Tom Fazio renovation in 2005 from the original designer George Fazio in 1979, Pinehurst No. 6 features new putting greens and new bunkers, which joins the other championship courses at Pinehurst. The back nine is not for the faint of heart – this is considered the toughest back nine. This is another favorite course at the Resort with a slope of 139 from the Gold Tees.

Pinehurst No. 7
Experience the high mountains that surround this course. Rees Jones designed Pinehurst No. 7 in 1986 and renovated it in 2003.Wetlands stretch along the 4th and 7th holes. This course stimulates the mind as well as the body with its 123-149 slope.

Pinehurst No. 8
This is the last but not the least Tom Fazio design which opened in 1996. Pinehurst No. 8 is a great design that offers fun and challenge. The site of the Club Pro Championship in 1997 and 1998 - it is a proven championship course that dashes and amuses the players.

Pinehurst, North Carolina is a premier golf destination in the US more than a century ago. Founded by millionaire James Walker Tufts, Pinehurst resort was one of the first prominent courses in the state. It was rated the Best US Golf Resort in 2008. It hosted several championship events like the 1951 Ryder Cup, 1936 PGA Championship, and the 1999 and 2005 US Open. Pinehursts is one of the largest golf resorts in the world that offers visitors with eight different first class golf courses. 

Contact our Golf Zoo Travel Specialist to book a vacation to 

Pinehurst Golf Resort, in North Carolina!!!

Call 800-929-7300