Eagle Mountain - My overall favorite in Scottsdale

Played The Golf Club at Eagle Mountain last week, and it had been quite a while since I tee'd it up there. It only took me getting to the first tee to remember why it is still one of my all time favorite tracks.

#1, a 582 yard par 5 has a gradual slope downward from the tips all the way to the green - a solid tee shot, and you'll have a go at it in two. (I of course got on in regulation, then three yanked for a bogey...) Both #1 and #10 offer extraordinary views from elevated tees - it's worth stopping for a minute to get a photo op here... #10 is a true "3 shot" par 5 with water all the way down the left hand side. The biggest of hitters may have a chance to go at this green, but for me (a 14 handicapper), it's Driver, 7 iron, then wedge. A truly great par 5 - one of the best par 5's in the valley.

Another reason I love Eagle is that course designer Scott Miller was looking out for those of us who can't remember the last time we hit a bucket of balls. Most of the fairways there are "bowl shaped", so that even a seemingly errant tee shot often will bounce back down into the fairway, or at least get caught up in the rough without going OB. I think I actually only used 2 sleeves of balls all day. I don't know about you, but I have a hard time having fun when I get to the 7th or 8th tee, and have already hit 5 or 6 five dollar Pro V-1's into neverland....

In addition to a fantastic layout, and excellent conditions, (even in mid-August), the PEOPLE at Eagle Mountain make all the difference. Alot of the top rated courses like Eagle Mountain often have a "stuffy" feeling in the pro shop, and it seems as if the staff at other courses want you to feel as though you're lucky to be there. This is not the case at Eagle. You're always greeted with a warm smile and a "Welcome" from the guys behind the counter, the restaurant staff is exceptional, and the "Player Assistants" are nice guys who actually there to HELP YOU, rather than scowl at you if you're 7 minutes behind. It's refreshing to see the "Ranger" or "Player assistant" coming up behind you, only to give you a friendly wave as he passes through.

I've been playing alot of golf in Phoenix / Scottsdale since 1999, and I can honestly say that overall, The Golf Club at Eagle Mountain has been my most enjoyable experience of any course in the valley.

If you're coming to Scottsdale, don't leave town with out teeing it up at Eagle.

Life in the Trap Golf Comic of the Week

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Featured Testimonial

"Our trip was amazing. Lori booked us a great room in the perfect location. The courses were wonderful and we really loved the Dinosaur Mountain course- it is a must play again. Lori was great with her recommendations on the courses we should play. The price was great and we love the option of unlimited golf.

Overall this golf weekend was excellent thanks to your company and Lori." -Liz J (vacationed to Arizona).Our clients come to expect the best, and they receive nothing short of the best. If your researching for your golf vacation, give us a chance to show you how a golf vacation is supposed to be. Please visit our Testimonials page for more!

Amelia Island has it all!

Amelia Island offers 1,350 acres of natural splendor. It is nestled between the waves of the Atlantic Ocean and the salt marshes of the Intracoastal Waterway. There are a few options too chose from when it comes to accommodations. There is the beautiful 249-room Amelia Inn with private balconies overlooking the Atlantic. There are also numerous one-, two- and three- bedroom spacious condominium villas just minutes from the Amelia Inn.

When it comes to golf , there are 54 holes designed by three of the world's most distinguished golf architects - Pete Dye, Tom Fazio and Bobby Weed. These courses will test golfers of all skill levels. For you golfers that have seen the recent Taylor Made commercials - "own the tee", the 16th tee box on the Ocean Links course is used for that commercial.

The resort also has plenty of other things to keep everyone occupied - shoppes, restaurants, tennis, pools and a spa. Amelia Island Plantation is a wonderful stay and play resort. The golf is unlimited daily!

If your looking to play a lot of golf daily or just a couple of rounds on the weekend - I would strongly advise giving Amelia Island Plantation a shot. For information about golf packages at Amelia Island - please visit www.golfzoo.com or call 888.333.6103

Life in the Trap Golf Comic of the Week

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Cigar Aficionado?

Well if you are, I have the place for you- Nicks Cigar World. It is literally a 1200 sq foot walk-in humidor Cigars by the box or single from Arturo Fuente to Romeo Y Julieta. Pipe Smoker? Nick has you covered with fine pipe tobaccos and pipes as well. Nick also has a great selection of humidors for home and travel. There is a sitting area if you would like to enjoy a smoke with free beer, Yes FREE BEER, Nicks is located at 2705 Hwy 17 North Myrtle Beach, SC. Phone # 843-361-8266, also visit the website nickscigarworld.com, to order online and if you stop by the store- tell Nick, Linda from Golf Zoo sent you,

Enjoy!!!

Linda

Orlando golf on a Grand Scale

From the moment you go through the guard gate at Grand Cypress in Orlando, Florida - you know your in for a special day. Grand Cypress is 45 holes designed by Jack Nicklaus. The North and South course opened in 1984, with the East following soon after in 1986. The North, South and East are typical Nicklaus - tall mounds, well positioned water, and tough greens with bunkers positioned to catch slightly errant shots. The New course is a complete contrast to the other courses. The new course was opened in 1988 and is like playing the Old Course at St. Andrews. The driving areas are very large, but well positioned pot bunkers await the unsuspecting Titleist Pro V1x.

Grand Cypress is a stay and play facility. There are 1 - 4 bedroom villa's available right on property. Grand Cypress is offering unlimited golf to their guest from now until 9/30/05. The first round is booked, then the second round is set up day of play.

The golf courses have hosted such tournaments as the World Cup of Golf, Greg Norman's Shark Shootout, Skills Challenge and the LPGA.

Any golfer that is looking for quality facilities, quality service and especially quality golf - then Grand Cypress is your place. To book a stay and play at Grand Cypress, please go to www.golfzoo.com or call 888.333.6103.

TPC Golf- Las Vegas Style

My first impression with the TPC at the Canyons clubhouse from the outside was very classy and understated. Then you are reminded this is a PGA Tour facility and course by the posters from the Michelin Championship and TPC pin flags. Located in Summerlin about 20 minutes west of the Strip, TPC offers a quality golf experience through their excellent service and quality playing surfaces. There are several hotel casinos close to the course and very easy to do a stay and play package in Summerlin.

But let's talk about the golf. It is a great desert golf experience with many trees, deep canyons and even water!!! Multiple sets of tees accommodate every level of golfer from beginner to single digit handicaps. There are still many "gut check" shots to be had from any tees. The subtle changes in elevation along with the desert breeze will have you debating club selection often. Due to a slightly higher elevation than the Strip area, TPC is able to maintain bent grass greens which provide a faster, more consistent putting surface. It a great feature of the course.

I encourage anyone that comes to Vegas to get away from the Strip for a few hours and play one of PGA Tour's finest facilities. You can find more information on Las Vegas golf and book a golf getaway at the TPC Canyons at www.golfzoo.com

Life in the Trap Golf Comic of the Week

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For all of you beefeaters out there......

Practically every group that comes to Scottsdale wants to know where to have a good steak.
I've compiled a list of good restaurants throughout the Valley which should help satisfy the meat lover in you:

Maestro's- 8852 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale, AZ 480.585.9500
Flemings - 20753 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ 480.538.8000
Drinkwater's City Hall - 6991 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale, AZ 480.941.4700
Don & Charlie's - 7501 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale, AZ 480.990.0900
Pink Pony - 3831 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 480.945.6697

Don't forget to pack your Lipitor.................