Tai Chi as a Golf Vacation Fitness Program

Some people look at golf vacation as an avenue for relieving oneself of stress. However, the pressure of winning a friendly competition can, to some extent, even render one sleepless with the anxiety of aiming for victory. As boring and non-confrontational golf looks like on television, some die-hard patrons can take this sport very seriously. In fact, their aggressive aspiration to win a scheduled friendly match is more likely to put more pressure than their bosses yelling at them through the intercom to finish their weekly report. And for this reason, players might go on perpetual “battle-for-survival” mode with their training. But there's a reason why Tai Chi can be the best fitness program for extremely tense golfers.

Confucius says, “fight fire with water”...
He didn't actually say it, but that is beside the point. The thing is, not all people work well under pressure. Getting worked up on one's upcoming golf game would more likely derail their training because no matter how it serves as a so-called motivator, there is only a certain level of tension acceptable in bringing out the best in the athlete. Instead of choosing an exercise that further agitates one's state of mind, this meditative Chinese calisthenics is the best alternative. The number one rule in Tai Chi? Relax (or else, it will still make you). If you think the “slow stationary dance” movements performed by senior citizens at the park is easy, think again.

Why are slow movements tiring, Mr. Miyagi?
Tai Chi is guaranteed to have its practitioners sweat buckets. In fact, by the time their done on their first session, they will not believe the overlooked wonders of their sweat glads being capable of imitating the miniature version of a waterfall. Despite its slow and deliberate gyrations, Tai Chi focuses on continuous muscle tension at every joint movement. How does this help you develop a better game performance in your scheduled golf trip contest? Imagine being consciously aware of every muscle group's contribution to that one clean swing. It's like practically being given a handbook titled What's Wrong with Your Golf Swing?

In China (H.K.), old people climb up 8th floor stairs
China is one of the generic places on the globe that has the highest number of senior citizens around the age of 80's with functional limbs. Controlled breathing and precise limb movements gave these oldies their stereotype-defying spryness. In all fairness, practicing Tai Chi is so highly effective that merely doing it for the purpose of killing (positively speaking) the next game golf vacation contest almost does this therapeutic exercise a grave injustice.

Scotland Golf Packages

The first documented golf-like game was played in 1297. The Dutch would hit a leather

ball to a goal several hundred yards away using a stick. The winner was the person with the

least amount of strokes. At one point in Holland a golf like game became illegal and would bring

about a fine of twenty shillings or the perpetrators overcoat. But the modern golf game we are

familiar with is credited to Scotland. If you truly love golf, then being able to play this

gentlemen’s game in its birthplace must be on your bucket list. This is why booking one of our

Scotland golf packages is such an amazing deal. You get to experience the legendary links, as

well as the welcoming culture, at an affordable price.

One of the fantastic Scotland golf packages available is for Western Scotland. You have

the opportunity to stay at the Piersland House Hotel located in Troon, which is in the historic

county of Ayrshire. This hotel is conveniently situated just a few miles from the airport and in

close proximity to some fantastic golf courses. Ayrshire is praised as the birthplace of open golf,

with championship courses located in Troon and Turnberry. Ayrshire County is the birthplace of

Scotland’s most notable poet, Robert Burns, and is rumored to have been home to the one and

only William Wallace. When you travel to Ayrshire for the ultimate golf getaway you can feel the

history; especially when you play at the Old Course of the Royal Troon Golf Club, which has

been around since 1878, and even received the Royal Accolade during its centennial year of

1978. It is home to two links courses, the Old Course and the Portland Course, both of which

you will be able to play while visiting. You will also be able to enjoy one of Scotland’s hidden

gems, which is the Western Gailes course. This gorgeous course is situated between a railway

and the sea and uses the natural contours of the land to provide a challenge to the most

experienced golfer. It is truly a must-play course. The wonderful Scotland golf packages deal

also gives you the chance to golf at the stunning Ailsa Course in Turnberry. This course is

named after the isle of Ailsa Craig which is eleven miles off the shore and can affect the wind

which in turn affects your game. The ninth hole is this course’s claim to fame because of the

rugged coastal views and the lighthouse that shadows over the ruins of the thirteenth century

ruins of Bruce’s Castle. This is not a course to miss playing. Last, but certainly not least, you will

play at the Prestwick Golf Club, which was founded in 1851 and has been around for over one

hundred and sixty years. Old Tom Morris was appointed the keeper of the green and created a

grueling twelve hole course of which six of his original twelve greens are still used today. Old

Tom and his son Tommy were also known for their golf game itself, each winning the Open

Championship four times.

There is much to explore in Scotland and it is truly a golfer’s paradise. From the craggy

points of Ailsa Course, to the natural breathtaking beauty of Western Gailes, or the historic

Prestwick and Royal Troon Golf Clubs, you will get the most of your experience. And this is just

one of the options of our Scotland golf packages and you can even get a customized package

by speaking to one of our golfzoo.com experts today. Be sure to look at our other options to

make the most informed choice for your golf vacation today.

Take a Golf Trip and become a better golfer

Whether it's a once in a lifetime trip, or you go to the same destination annually, sometimes it's those special courses that bring out the best in you.

According to a well-known psychologist named Anders Ericsson, becoming a better golfer requires practicing beyond your comfort zone. That includes changing it up from the same 18 holes week after week. And proper technique goes beyond mindlessly pounding balls in an effort to build muscle memory – because according to Ericsson, muscles do not have the memory, only the brain does.  He further stated that improving your golf game has to be deliberate; it has to be done with purpose and must include a little pain until a golfer finally learns to bend the ball at his will.

For those of you who are seriously aiming to be a better player, here are six drills to help in that process. If you try them at your local golf club before heading off on your trip, or on the trip itself, they will be sure to further your game. They are guaranteed to push you out of your comfort zone and lower your handicap.

Rehearse your full swing.  Take note that mindlessly swinging will hardly make you a better golfer, so make it your goal to do a deliberate practice swing of the particular technique you would like to learn and utilize. For instance, if you are focusing on the backswing, you don't have to jump up to the tee right away.

Take dead aim as a game. Maximize your the of practice tees by using them to your advantage. Kick off by playing an entire nine using a variety of clubs and scoring yourself accordingly. Generally, the first hole calls for driver, then 6-iron, and eventually wedge. Use specific clubs in succession and so that you are able to make use of your equipment in random order.

Improve your chipping distance. Some golfers find chipping a challenge. If this doesn’t happen to be your strength, don’t fret because there are ways to improve on this aspect. Once you're out on the practice green, take five balls and drive chips to your target hole until you eventually knock all five balls to within a club-length of the cup. Repeat this drill until you finally manage to knock them all inside.

Target that straight five-foot putt on the practice green.  When you are on a golf trip, make it your goal to do at least 50 straight five-foot putts. It will be a bit challenging but it will greatly improve your short stroke.

Work on your half wedges. Acknowledge that you can’t always hit wedges at full distances and dedicate some time to improve on this. Do not be discouraged when you hit awkward distances like 35, 50 and 75 yards, instead keep hitting until you land a ball within an acceptable distance.

Blast sand shots! Be extra careful not to mindlessly swing sand shots from the practice bunker. Instead, use this to further improve your skill. Decide on a challenging radius around a hole and practice blasting five balls within your chosen radius. Eventually shrink your radius, send shots from a new distance, and start over again.

Winter Golf Vacation Destinations

Whether you just want to take a break from work and de-stress, or you simply want to tune up your golfing skills, these 3 spots are the best places to go to during this time of the year. 

California

Arguably the most famous and most populous state in all of the U.S., people come here from all over the world not just to visit but to settle, live and thrive. There is no wonder why millions of people choose to be here: impressive beauty, wealth and lifestyle. California is warm during the Holiday Season, making it a perfect place to visit.  It is also home to many top-notch golf courses to to help you unwind, relax and destress. Pristine green and premier accommodations are yours for the taking.

Moreover, California is full of many natural and man-made sights that are frequented by many tourists each year. There are beaches, mountains, lakes, infamous bridges and big city escapes for your post-golf activities. The mixture of many cultures makes this place vibrant and rich of varieties of tastes and cuisines. During the Xmas season, California becomes even more alive and exciting as a lot of people who wish to escape the cold come here.

Mexico

If you are looking for a fun filled holiday retreat where you can party, get lost and play a whole lot of golf, Mexico is the perfect place for you. This country is exquisite, vivacious and very alive. There is so much energy generated around by the locals, expats and visitors and every day spent here is fun and full of adventure. 

They’ve got a lot of outstanding golf resorts here that are favorites of World Champions. The sun, unique flare and the natural beauty (caves, hidden beaches, secret lagoons and more) that Mexico offers makes it easy for golf Holiday trip seekers to choose Mexico over any other place in the world.

Hawaii

Surf and golf holiday combo? If you are looking for a laid back escape to play golf and hit the beach, Hawaii is the top choice for you. Famous for its amazing blue waters, Hawaii’s got great green too. Located in Maui and Oahu, Hawaiian golf courses are surrounded by epic splendor: mountains, beaches, a volcano, palm trees and more! Warm all year, it is the perfect winter destination for just about anyone! 

There are many professional golfers who live in Hawaii, and why not? The way of life and the challenging golf courses is the ultimate combination to make this extraordinary paradise a number one golf vacation destination.

Williamsburg Golf Packages

Williamsburg, Virginia is one of the most sought after golf destinations in the world. It is a

haven for the discriminating golfer who is seeking new challenges, as well as a relaxing

getaway for the amateur who just wants to golf and enjoy the beautiful sights, sounds, and

culture of the South. In Williamsburg, your experience is about more than golfing. It’s also about

getting the biggest bang for your buck, and the best way to do that is by booking one of the

many available Williamsburg golf packages. There are various options to make sure you get the

perfect package that is catered to what you want to do, at a price you can feel comfortable

paying.

One of the most beautiful and sought after courses is the Golden Horseshoe. This public

course actually includes two courses. It’s also completely surrounded by woods and is an official

Audubon sanctuary. This means you won’t have residential noise to mess up your game. The

Gold course was designed by famed architect, Robert Trent Jones, Sr., who said it was his

favorite design. This course has won several awards and ranks in the top one-hundred golf

courses, on a regular basis. The Green course was designed by Rees Jones, Robert Trent

Jones’ son. According to Jones this course is a “shot-makers course”. This course will take you

through twenty acres of gorgeous matured hardwood forest while the birds sing to you. Both of

these courses have been used in championship games. When you are making your choice of

one of the Williamsburg golf packages, the Golden Horseshoe should certainly be at the top of

your list.

Another fantastic deal you can get from booking one of the Williamsburg golf packages

is for Kingsmill Resort. These courses were designed by some of the golf greats that many

people who don’t even golf know of. Those names include Arnold Palmer and Tom Clark as well

as two-time U.S. Open champion, Curtis Strange. The Kingsmill Resort is located on the former

Kingsmill Plantation site. The plantation, however, has long been in ruins. The courses here are

known to have vast greens and are nestled in a small community that shares the same name.

Golf Digest has ranked this resort as one of the top seventy-five best golf resorts in North

America. There are two courses at this resort to choose from - the River Course, that overlooks

the James River, or the Plantation Course, with its enticing rolling fairways.

There are many more wonderful Williamsburg golf packages to choose from at Golf Zoo.

When you go the route of purchasing a travel package, you save money for other fun activities!

This is because your main expenses are lumped together to allow great savings. While you are

golfing, your family can explore nearby Colonial Williamsburg or some of the other wonderful

attractions in the surrounding area. Williamsburg offers travelers many exciting options. From

magnificent, world renowned golf courses, to being able to delve into our nation’s history;

Williamsburg delivers for you. So, start your travel plans by taking a look at some of our

fantastic Williamsburg golf packages that will save you some money, and then use your savings

to plan all of the other fun stuff. We’ll see you soon!

For more information about our Williamsburg golf packages or to book your vacation, click here.

To learn about our Hot Deals, click here!

Come check out everything we have to offer. Click here!

2015 Holiday Gift Ideas for Golfers

Tis the time to pick out yet another perfect gift for your loved one who also has a love for golf. If you've run out of books to give or they have a wide array of golf shirts, then this list should do the trick. This week we are featuring the hottest golf gear, essentials and accessories that will surely make your golf-loving friends and family the happiest this season.

Tour X-Jolt Rangefinder

The Bushnell Tour X Jolt Rangefinder is a must-have for all golf enthusiasts that love their technology too. It comes with two separate faceplates, one that tells you elevation change, distances, and land grade. The other rangefinder faceplate can be used in professional tournaments. Its key features include DDT (Dual Display Technology), Jolt Technology, Slope Technology, is rainproof, and much more! Every avid golfer will surely want this!

Price: $500

Cork Putter Grips

An eco-friendly, light, golf essential and pocket-friendly option. Cork putter grips are a big hit among professional players. Your golf fanatic loved one will surely like having this too. Designed to perform in all types of weather conditions, this hypoallergenic gadget is quite easy to maintain as well.

Price: $30+

Arccos

Definitely one of the top performance trackers out there, Arccos comes with 13 Standard Sensors and 1 Putter Sensor to track anyone’s game. It can be easily attached to the tip of the club's grip. This gadget will track every shot made from the first hole to the last. Once the tracking app is downloaded, attach the sensors, and you're good to go.

Price: $300

Izzo Callway Tournament Set 

A handy all-in-one kit for any golfer. It includes a 12 ounce stainless steel water bottle, Pro Line Putt Align Tool with 4 ball-identification stencils, and divot repair tool. Also in the set is a poker chip ball marker, 2 Callaway golf balls and 5 performance tees. All essentials for the leisure golfer and not a hefty burden on the wallet!

Price: $30

Golf Trip

And just in case you forgot... There's no golfer who wouldn’t enjoy a nice, relaxing golf getaway. There are so many hot golf trip deals out there that would fit any budget! Anywhere from Scottsdale, to Orlando, to Myrtle Beach or across some water to Hawaii. Don't forget you can go international to places like the Domincan Republic, Scotland, Ireland... and more! The possibilities with Golf Zoo are endless. Booking a trip is easy, hassle-free and are simple for your lucky gift receiver to book their custom package details. It's the perfect gift to let your loved-one really enjoy their love for golf.

Price: Varies by destination and time of travel

Viola! That concludes this year’s gift guide for your/our fellow golf enthusiasts!

CP's Top Ten Scottsdale Courses - Fall 2015

#16 - TPC Stadium Scottsdale

Planning a trip to Scottsdale this winter? Here is my opinion on the best 10 choices when it comes to golf here in the Valley of the Sun. I chose my Top Ten based on these (what I consider to be the most important) factors:

• Layout
• Playability
• Scenery
• Service

Remember when reading this that I'm pretty much a hack. I'm about a 14 handicapper, so I'm not what you would call a golf "purist" when it comes to course design, etc. You'll never see me on the practice range hitting 3 irons. (Do I own a three iron?)

I tee it up to have fun, take in the scenery, and hopefully take some of my buddies' pocket change. If you're of the same persuasion, this Top Ten list is for you. It's been a year since I did this last, and happy to announce a few changes.

Here we go:

1. Gold Canyon - Dinosaur Mountain - still my all-time favorite. It's about a 40-minute drive from Old Town Scottsdale, but well worth it. The dramatic elevation changes, fantastic scenery, and interesting layout make this the best spot in Arizona.
2. The Golf Club at Eagle Mountain - Probably the best staff and friendliest environment in all of Scottsdale - I'm also a Scott Miller fan - lots of elevation changes, and bowl-shaped fairways where a hack like me will get a few forgiving bounces now and then. #18 in my opinion is the best finishing hole in the state of Arizona.
3. SunRidge Canyon Golf Club - Somewhat brutal at times, but one of the more interesting hole-by-hole tracks. Also has the best 3 finishing holes in Arizona - three-shot par 5, then a ridiculous par 3 over the canyon shot of 220 that you're supposed to STOP on a dime. Yeah right. #18 is a wicked dog leg left par 4 up the hill to finish out one of the tougher back nines in Arizona. They've been closed all summer to install brand new greens as well. "We made it! I need a cocktail stat!"
4. We-Ko-Pa Golf Club - Cholla Course - Another Scott Miller gem. You definitely have to think your way around this course, and Cholla (and Saguro) are very unique in that they're built on an Indian reservation, so there are ZERO HOMES anywhere on the golf course. Makes for scenery that's tough to beat. They used to be "cart path only", but we convinced them to change, and they did. Well done boys!
5. Grayhawk Golf Club - Talon Course - The Raptor course is where they host the PGA Tour's Frys.com Open, but I have always preferred the tamer sister course, Talon. It's a little more forgiving off the tee, and #17 is an island par 3 - kind of a "Mini 17th at Sawgrass" - great hole for gambling. (It's only a 9 iron, or a big wedge...) Also, Phil's Grill is one of my all time favorite places to enjoy a couple dozen cocktails after Grayhawk whips me into submission.
6. TPC Stadium Course - Home to the PGA Tour's Waste Management Open. Yeah sure, I agree that by itself the golf course is a little overrated, but what can I say - it's fun to play where the pros play, and after watching the tournament on TV, you'll want to get it in. The last 4 holes are the reason you pay what you do, ($250+ in peak season) and they are as fun to play as they are to watch. Service in all aspects is exceptional, and the restaurant is one of the best in Arizona to have a nice breakfast.
7. Troon North - Pinnacle Course - The atmosphere in the clubhouse is a little stuffy, but I play this one at least once a year for one reason - the greens are the best in Arizona. Both Troon courses (Pinnacle and Monument) are extremely difficult for me, but the putting surfaces are simply perfect in the winter - fast and brutal. Lots of fun, and a few 3 or 4 puts along the way...
8. Rancho Manana Golf Club - This one is more my speed. I can play Rancho from the tips, and rarely have anything more than a 7 iron in on the par 4s. But don't be fooled by the relatively short length. This one is tricky. Rancho is just north of Scottsdale, in Cave Creek, where it's very mountainous, and I'm simply an elevation change junkie. One of the more scenic courses, and the Tonto grill would be in my all time Top 5 restaurants. Great staff - very laid back.
9. Ocotillo Golf Club - Ocotillo cracked into my Top Ten this year, replacing The Raven at South Mountain. Although I still love the Raven, for something a little different, and a more traditional feel, Ocotillo is my new favorite. With 3 distinct 9's, great conditions, and maybe the best spot in Arizona to have lunch after your round, you can't go wrong. Another advantage (or disadvantage) is that there is a lot of water which sets in apart from most of the dry, desert layouts here. The staff is laid back and friendly, and make time for lunch afterwards. Sit outside on the patio, listen to the waterfalls, and enjoy.
10. Quintero Golf Club - Yep - Quintero cracked into my Top Ten this year. Yeah, it's in the middle of nowhere. From Scottsdale, expect a 45 to 60 minute drive. IT'S WORTH THE DRIVE. Every hole is different, and offers a new challenge - the layout is what gets me excited about this one - it's just a really, really FUN track to play. The Clubhouse is a disappointment, but drive out anyway - the course will blow you away. 

O.K. gang - there it is - "CP's Top Ten" - If you're planning a trip to Arizona this year, you can't go wrong with any of these great venues.

Feel free to call me at 888-867-6911 for more details...

You can also check out CP's Previous Top Ten Scottsdale Courses here.