The Top Golf Courses of Montego Bay, Jamaica

Montego Bay, Jamaica is home to the top golf courses in the region. 
If visitors are looking for fun and challenge, Cinnamon Hill Golf Club, Half Moon Golf Club, and White Witch Golf Course will offer them a tough and rewarding golf trip. These golf destinations have demanding holes, well-positioned sand traps, and lots of water hazards.

Cinnamon Hill Golf Club
Avid golfers will never enjoy a good game until they play on one of the greatest courses in the Caribbean, Cinnamon Hill Golf Club. It winds gently through the historic Cinnamon Hill sugar plantation. Its layout features a vivid front nine and a tight back nine that is filled with strategically placed bunkers that inspire most competitive player’s best game. Designed by Robert Von Hagge, Cinnamon Hill’s various elevations lets the players experience the links and inland golf.

Half Moon Golf Club

With the talented and famous Robert Trent Jones Sr. as its designer, it’s not anymore a question why Half Moon Golf Club is a must visit place in Montego Bay. The tough holes, undulating greens, challenging drive, and spectacular vistas are the reasons why this club is award-winning. It was named “2009 Golf Resort of the Year” by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators and “The Best Caribbean Golf Resort” by Caribbean World Magazine. In 2005, it was renovated by renowned golf architect Roger Rulewich to suit the taste of both the avid and casual golfers. The course now features newly-aligned tee complexes, new bunkers, and repositioned fairways. The combined styles of Jones and Rulewich made this place one of the finest golf courses in Jamaica.

White Witch Golf Course
This mountainous golf course is designed by the international architectural team that consists of Mike Smelek, Robert Von Hagge, and Rick Baril. White Witch Golf Course was carved out of 600 acres of lush greenery and rolling countryside that features panoramic Caribbean views. It is considered one of the finest golf courses in the Caribbean and was named after Anne Palmer, the notorious “White Witch”. Anne was known as a mistress of voodoo. The legend says that she practiced witchcraft and used it to kill her husband, John Palmer, who owned the sugar plantation on which the course stands. However, this story does not pull back visitors from playing in this course. The place’s epic surrounding will let them forget its dark legend.

When visitors would like to have a Caribbean golf vacation, Montego Bay, Jamaica is the best place to be!! 

Contact our Golf Zoo Travel Specialist to book a vacation to Montego Bay, Jamaica!!!

Call 800-929-7300

Sonoran Desert Golf Trail

The Sonoran Desert is one of the hottest places in North America for golf enthusiast. The great desert that spans to parts of California, Arizona, and the American-Mexican border. It is the home to trails of championship caliber golf courses. These courses feature some of the most unique and most challenging settings for golf games – both in layout and in scenery.

These courses make use of the Sonoran Desert's natural rocky, dry desert terrain and the variety of rock formations of the desert to serve as natural hazards. Golfers who are used to Florida or California courses that abounds in water may find it refreshing that there is hardly any water hazard on any of these courses. But they are not to be taken lightly. The sun, the sand, and the unique desert vegetation will more or less keep the golfer busy and challenged.

There are six courses that are part of the Sonoran Desert Golf Trail: The Golf Club at Eagle Mountain; the Sun Ridge Canyon Golf Club; the Desert Canyon Golf Club; the Cholla Course of the Wee-Ko-Pa Golf Club; the Saguaro Course of the Wee-Ko-Pa Golf Club; and the Vista Verde Golf Club.

The Golf Club at Eagle Mountain

Golf World 2009 Reader's Poll ranked this course among America's Top 50. And not surprisingly so, this Scott Miller design makes good use of whatever nature has endowed the McDowell Mountains to its advantage. Surrounded by desert valleys, mountain peaks, rolling hills, and with elevation changes that can only be described as dramatic. This is where man's genius has worked in perfect collaboration with nature.

Sun Ridge Canyon Golf Club

Like the Golf Club at Eagle Mountain, Sun Ridge Canyon Golf Club brings out the best qualities of the desert where it belongs. It was carved out of its surrounding as if it were Mother Nature's hands itself that set it there. Water is abundant here, surprisingly, but so are desert arroyos. This course follow's nature's dictates, as are evident in the dramatic elevation changes.

Desert Canyon Golf Club

The Desert Canyon Golf Club was formerly known as the Fountain Hills Golf Club, and has a magnificent view of what makes its former namesake popular: the tallest fountain in the world. From almost every hole, the famous town centerpiece of Fountain Hills, AZ makes a splendid appearance. This could prove a refreshing delight in the hot desert, but could as well be a distraction. And the last thing anybody needs on a course like this is a distraction. The tight, hilly layout will make any player's game – pro or otherwise – extremely challenging.

Wee-Ko-Pa Golf Club – Cholla Course

This is one highly decorated golf course. This Scott Miller design has been voted by Sports Illustrated as one of the Top Ten New Courses in America when it opened. Apart from that, the Cholla Course of the Wee-Ko-Pa Golf Club has been named by the prestigious Zagat Survey as among America's Top Golf Courses, with accolades like Highest overall rating in Arizona, Highest value rating in Arizona, Top 50 courses nationally recognized for service.

Wee-Ko-Pa Golf Club – Saguaro Course
With an overachiever for an older sibling course, the Saguaro Course of the Wee-Ko-Pa Golf Club carried the burden of living up to the prestige that is the Cholla Course. But it did not disappoint. On the contrary, it delivered more than it was expected. More, in fact, that it was ranked by GOLF Magazine as among the Top Ten New Courses in America when it opened in 2007. It has all the same desert qualities that people enjoyed and savored at the Cholla Course. This is a joint creation of designers Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore.

Vista Verde Golf Club
Rio Verde, just outside of Scottsdale, in Arizona has a well-kept secret of a treasure. The discriminating golfers only know it too well. The Vista Verde Golf Club is the Ken Kavanaugh creation this side of the desert that has the sweetest of rolling terrains with lots of cacti for toppings. What makes this extremely special is the way the desert dominates the course – from elevation to hazards to the most sweeping views of the surrounding Four Peaks and Mazatzal Mountains. This is all the desert goodness served on the most complete golf vacation platter no golfer could ever resist. Amongst golfers, the truly enthused ones, this is not too much of a secret after all.

Contact our Golf Zoo Travel Specialist to book a vacation to Sonoran Desert Golf, in Arizona!!!

Call 800-929-7300

Golf in Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island, Georgia is a famed and highly favored vacation destination. Tourists flock the island off the Atlantic coast to enjoy the ocean, the parks, and the many historic landmarks. The old infrastructure of the late 19th to the early 20th century, and the remnants of the Native American habitation takes tourists into a past time experience.

But because Jekyll Island's ideal weather and interesting marshland terrain, this place has become a perfect golf vacation destination. The variations of golf courses here range from links style all the way to more modern themed courses. 

The Four most desirable golf course in Jekyll Island, Georgia are Jekyll Island's Indian Mound Course, Oleander Course, Pine Course, and the Osprey Cove Golf and Country Club.

Jekyll Island – Indian Mound Course
This Joe Lee design features fairway bunkers and a layout that takes golfers through Jekyll Island's pristine lakes and marshes that make the terrain rather interesting and extra challenging. Lee named the course after they found large oyster shell midden deposits by the aboriginal inhabitants of the area a hundred years ago. The course measures a good 6,469 yards for a par of 72. Golfers will enjoy a scenery that is undisturbed by any commercial or residential structures.

Jekyll Island – Oleander Course
The Oleander is a seaside course that enjoys a good 300 yard-distance from the ocean. It features all the goodness and difficulties poised by a course that close to the ocean – the sand and the incessant blowing of the wind from the Atlantic. The Dick Wilson design fancies the challenge-seeking golfer with its numerous doglegs and tight fairways. Opened in 1972, the course is considered the local favorite.


Jekyll Island – Pine Course
Originally build by Dick Wilson in the 1960s, the Pine Course went through a renovation in 2002 with Clyde Johnson as its model. Johnson retained its original splendor, but adding its most famous feature: Family Friendly Tee Boxes. The layout winds through ocean forests and natural, undisturbed habitats of migratory birds. It measures 6,700 yards and plays for a par of 72.

Osprey Cove Golf and Country Club
This Mark McCumber creation brings true links style golfing to Jekyll Island. Opened in the 1990, the course's layout winds around tidal inlets and salt marshes. The result is both beautiful and gripping, a most perfect combination for the most memorable golf vacations.

Contact our Golf Zoo Travel Specialist to book a vacation to Jekyll Island, Georgia!

@ 800-929-7300

The Big Myrtle Beach Merger

Two of the largest golf management companies on Myrtle Beach's Grand Strand are merging, creating a new company that will own/manage 24 of the 90 golf courses in the area. Burroughs and Chapin (B&C) and the Myrtle Beach National Company (MBN) have agreed to combine their golf assets and become equal partners.

B&C owns five courses and manages five others. MBN owns 10 courses and manages four others. According to a Golf Inc. magazine study, the new Myrtle Beach company will be the 15th largest nationally and 19th internationally. The merger is not expected to be complete for several months nor has a name for the new company even been chosen.

Management on both sides are very excited about utilizing the strengths from each existing company to not only benefit their courses but also better promote the entire Myrtle Beach golf market.

What does all this mean for the thousands of golfers that visit Myrtle Beach every year? Well no one knows for sure but personally I am very excited about the future. With 24 courses under one roof the packaging options are endless. Golf groups will now be able to take advantage of multi-round pricing without having to travel all over the beach.My only worry is for the remaining stand alone courses......one would think they are going to be forced to partner up to stay competitive.

If you are interested in learning more about Myrtle Beach Golf and what this destination has to offer your golf group give me (Craig Gordon) a call at 888.333.6079!!!

Golf Kingdom: Florida

The Sunshine State, also known as Florida holds the recorded out of all the states in the US to have the most golf courses in their state. Florida is the home to more than 1,250 golf courses. 
Florida is the ideal place to be for any golf enthusiast!! 

Its quite impossible to make a list of all the amazing golf courses Florida has to offer,  but here is a short list for any travelers that are raring to go!!

TPC Sawgrass

A Pete Dye masterpiece, this course has to be the best of Dye's best. It is sprawled on 415 acres of Florida marshland and dotted with hazards of all forms – marshes, pot bunkers, waste areas, and palm trees. But what makes the TPC Sawgrass a household name for golfers is the “Island Green” 17th hole. This signature hole has become an epitome of sorts for what makes a great, challenging, and beautiful hole; and the best of the world's pros could attest to that. The TPC Sawgrass is without a doubt on the list of the World's Best.


Doral Golf Resort and Spa
Magnanimous at the least, excellent at the best. This is only one way to describe the Doral Golf Resort and Spa, and that is not overrated. Four championship courses make up this huge Miami golf facility – including a Jim McLean signature and a PGA Tour stop.
Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club
It gets better as it gets older. The Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club could be a most perfect example. Originally built in the 1920s, this golf course has stood the test of war, nature and age. The original design is long gone but the glamor of the classic was revived by the handiwork made by designer Ron Garl. Today, it features a wide open layout dotted with many old growth trees that gives it that vintage feel one couldn't find elsewhere in the Sunshine State.



Florida could easily be heaven on earth for most golfers! Please contact a Florida travel specialist TODAY! Call 800-929-7500!! 

PGA National Resort & Spa

For Three Decades, PGA National Resort & Spa Has Made....

COUNTLESS GOLFERS HAPPY!!

Professional Golfers Association (PGA) National Resort and Spa is located in West Palm Beach, Florida. PGA National Resort and Spa has FIVE superb courses that were built by FIVE legendary golf course architects, and is home to many world class golf tournaments.This resort also includes amentites that will spell out an unforgettable, exquisite Flordia golf vacation experience! Needless to say this destination is a marvelous vacation spot and makes..COUNTLESS GOLFER LOVERS HAPPY!!!

The golf courses here are nowhere near ordinary!! These courses have been the home of the PGA Senior Championship for more than two decades, and is the current home of the Honda Classic!!! The resorts FIVE SUPERB course and their descriptions are listed below:

The Champion Course:

Two words. The Bear. Jack Nicklaus. One of the biggest names in golfing history brings his signature Bear Claw this side of the country to mesh with the perfect Florida terrain. The Champion course holds the famous – or, rather notorious - “Bear Trap, a three-hole stretch on the course that are known to be the most demanding in Florida, or as USA Today likes to put it, “one of the toughest stretches in golf”. This was originally a Tom/George Fazio creation, opened in 1981, Nicklaus gave it a total overhaul in 1999-2000.

• Par-72
• 7,048 yards (longest tees)
• 150 acres

The Palmer Course:
A true risk-reward layout – a signature mark of its designer, the legendary Arnold Palmer. This course features a lot of forgiving holes, fast greens, and the most scenic most challenging finishing holes on the resort, and perhaps in the entire state of Florida.

• Par-72
• 7,072 yards (longest tees)
• 120 acres

The Squire Course:

This course was named after the legendary Gene “The Squire” Sarazen – who was the first ever golfer to win a Grand Slam - and created by the dynamic designing duo of George and Tom Fazio. The shortest course on the property had to be the one to require the most thinking. Aptly called “The Thinking Man's Course”, it sure presents some tough holes especially for the longer hitters.

• Par – 72
• 6,465 yards (longest tees)
• 105 acres

The Haig Course:

The oldest of the courses on the property, the Haig course is the other one of the two Fazio creations. It was named after the golf legend, Walter Hagen. The Haig Course was made to be fun and playable for all golfers regardless of skill levels. The designers played with the location of the water hazards, which play on quite a number of holes, to achieve their goal.

• Par-72
• 6,806 yards (longest tees)
• 115 acres

The Estates Course:
It is not the size of the course that should faze the golfer. This shorter course will prove to anyone that excellent placement of the bunkers and water hazards are enough a reason for a golfer to not take short courses all too easily. Designed by Karl Litten and opened in 1984.

• Par-72
• 6,694 yards
• 120 acres

The credentials of this golf vacation destination – mentioned here and otherwise – are not surprising. Naturally, it bears the name of the PGA, surely, it will not be of any less quality than what they call their 'standards'. The Professional Golf Association National Resort and Spa is what every golf lover needs!! The merits of each of these courses shows how grand a golf vacation can be at this destination!!

Please Contact one of our PGA National Resort and Spa Golf Speicalist TODAY!!

CALL:800-929-7300

(OR)

Click Here & Create Your Trip Quote for PGA National Resort and Spa for FREE!!!

How About “Mountain Golf” in Florida?

YES....MOUNTAIN GOLF...IN FLORIDA?!

The diverse landscape of the area just north of Orlando known as the “Florida Highlands”, is home to some of the most scenic vistas in the state of Florida – and great, natural terrain golf courses. OK…we’re not talking the Rockies or the Appalachians, but in a state most think as flat and ringed with sugar-white sand beaches, we do have some elevations.

Fortunately for us golfers, these elevations are within minutes of Orlando and are home to some of the highest-rated courses in the state. Check out the courses we refer to as Florida “Mountain Golf”… Bella Collina, Sanctuary Ridge, The Legends Club, and Mission Inn. 








The designers of the courses noted above, did not move much earth during course construction. The natural “mountain” terrain, sand barrens, natural lakes and native vegetation mostly dictated the course design characteristics. El Campeon, “The Champion” at Mission Inn was designed and built in 1917, and like other courses born during that era, the natural terrain - not a bulldozer, was “the designer”. Some thoughts from Nick Faldo when building his Bella Collina masterpiece include, “the natural rolling site with steep elevation changes is very unusual for Orlando”, and “the course will provide an inspiring golfing experience for members and guests for years to come.”

These courses are all within a 45-minute drive (and well worth the trip) of the popular Orlando hotel and condo choices. Also, Golf Zoo has made playing these courses easier by offering   “Florida Highlands Golf Trail” Packages that include great accommodations and great golf courses that places our golf customers within minutes of the courses noted above.

Call us today to book these great Golf Courses!

@ 800-929-7300

(OR)

Visit our GolfZoo Website and check-out the Florida Highlands Golf Trail!

What Must Not Be Missed: Golfing in Mississippi

Mississippi--- is one of the United States most well known golf vacation destinations. This state is a home to a wide choice of top quality golf courses. These courses consist of many breathtaking historic landmarks.  Mississippi's unique southern history is what makes golfers fall in love with this Gulf Coast Resort destination, located in Biloxi, Mississippi's. The resorts beautiful scenery and southern hospitality is what makes Gulf Coast Resort a perfect destination for all golf vacation seekers!! 

Gulf Coast Resort is home to not one, not two, but FIVE breathtaking golf Courses and Country Clubs:

Diamond Head Country Club
The Diamond Head Country Club has two 18-hole championship courses, the Pine and the Cardinal. These courses, designed by Earl Stone and John Lefoy. They are two very distinct courses each having its own special quality. The Pine has bunkers and water hazards and the Cardinal is wooded with no parallel fairways. The Pine Course is longer at 6,832 yards Cardinal's 6,730.

The Oaks Golf Club
A perfect concoction of scenery and layout is what give Oaks Golf Club the award for being ranked the best golf site in the state. It's been ranked among the Top Ten Courses in Mississippi (Golf Digest), voted as Best Course on the Coast (Coast Magazine),  and was the 2003 winner of the “Golf Course of the Year for the Mississippi Gulf Coast Resort” by the National Golf Course Owners Association. It currently holds a four-star rating as the best place to play from Golf Digest's. This Course has already been the host to a number of huge golfing events like the Nike Tour/Buy.com events. The par 72 layout is characterized by unique hole routing and strategic bunker placements.

Mississippi National Golf Club
This course bears the name of the state, which shows its "State Worthiness!" This Earl Stone design was made to have the complete package a traditional and demanding layout. The course stretches to 6,983 yards from the longest tees, and plays for a par of 72.

Shell Landing Golf Club
Designed by Davis Love, this course is perfect for those noble golf vacationers. This course is known for updating their courses to maintain a high class and up to date. This course top condition has been awarded as  one of America's Best New Courses of 2002 (Golf Digest) and #5 in America in the Best New Upscale Public Category (Golf Digest, 2003). It measures 7,024 yards from the longest tees, and plays for a par of 72.

The Bridges Golf Club
The Bridges Golf Club is an Arnold Palmer creation. It includes pristine lakes and marshlands. It measures 6,841 yards from the tips, par 72. This course is a true challenge and a fun treat even for championship professionals. 

As you can tell the golf courses at Gulf Coast Resort each have their unique breathtaking scenery and offer high class amenities. These characteristics add to the many reasons why Gulf Coast isn't just an ordinary resort -- it's resort that gives all visitors an experience of a life time!! 

Contact a Golf Zoo Travel Specialist that can help make this dream vacation a reality!!

Call (800-929-7300) TODAY!!

How Far in Advance to Book Your Golf Trip

I have been working in the golf industry for over 15 years and one of the most common questions asked is "How far in advance do I need to book my trip?"  The short answer is the sooner the better but it really does depend.  

If your group is visiting a destination during their "off season" then you can wait until a few weeks before to see how the weather is shaping up.  But....keep in mind the off season for golf, may be peak season for other activities in the area.  

When it comes to spring golf (peak season) you want to get this trip on the books several months in advance.  Nothing more frustrating then finding the perfect package for your group, waiting for everyone to commit and then when you call back to reserve 9am tee-times; the course only has 3pm left.  I suggest to all my repeat groups to get their spring trip on the books no later then December and in many cases November, to ensure they get their pick of prime tee-times.  

If you are considering a golf trip for this coming spring, NOW is the time to have your guys make a decision and make the reservations.  We can always adjust them closer to the date but at least you have a nice block of times held.

Call myself (Craig Gordon) or any of the knowledgeable vacation specialists at Golf Zoo with questions on putting together the perfect golf vacation.....and booking it at the right time! 800.929.7300 www.golfzoo.com

Locals Favorite Restaurants - Myrtle Beach

After living in Myrtle Beach for almost 12 years, I think I can call myself a local. In no particular order, here is a list of some of my favorite restaurants in the area. Some of these you have probably heard of, others probably not. Either way, I think you will enjoy them all.

Hog Heaven – 7147 Ocean Highway, Pawleys Island

If you like Barbeque (Barbeque Pulled Pork if you aren’t from the south), you have to try Hog Heaven. They have some of the best BBQ I have ever had. The seasonings and sauce that they use are awesome. You can order off of the menu, enjoy their buffet, or get it to go.

Ultimate California Pizza – multiple locations along the Grand Strand

Ultimate California Pizza (UCP) is not your ordinary pizza place. You won’t find New York Style or Chicago Deep Dish here, but what you will find are some great innovations in pizza. Some of my favorites are the San Francisco Pizza (Filet Mignon), the Hollywood (Meat Lover’s), and the Buffalo Chicken (Hot Wing Pizza). If you aren’t feeling pizza, they also have some really good subs, sandwiches, wraps, and salads. My favorite is their Roasted Chicken Wrap, which comes wrapped in a fresh baked flatbread.

Mr. Fish – 3401 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach

Mr. Fish is a really good seafood place. It’s not your normal sit down type of place, it is kind of a hole in the wall, but the staff is friendly and the seafood is really good. It seems like no matter what time of the day you are there, you will see “Mr. Fish” or his daughter taking care of things. I recommend trying the Fish Tacos, Crab Cakes, or Blackened Ahi Tuna. Right next door to the restaurant, they also have a seafood market where you can pick up all sorts of things.

Tilted Kilt – 1317 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach

Tilted Kilt opened at Broadway at the Beach in the summer of 2011 and is going strong. Picture Hooters Restaurant mixed with an Irish/Scottish Sports Pub. The result is good food, good beer, and good looking girls waiting on you while you watch the game or play some billiards. Did I mention they are wearing small kilts and even smaller shirts? Not a bad place to drink a pint or two.

Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse – 2920 Hollywood Dr., Myrtle Beach

Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse is just that, a Brazilian Steakhouse. While it is fairly expensive, it is well worth the price. When you are seated you are each given a round card with green on one side, and red on the other. “Gauchos” walk around with skewers of meat that when you have the green side of your card showing, they will come to you and offer you fresh cuts of the meat. When you flip the card back over to the red side, they will let you eat in peace. Rioz also has a great selection of hot and cold items on their salad bar, but make sure to save some room for the meats. They offer more than 15 of them, including beef, pork, lamb, chicken, and fish. Enjoy!

Luigi’s Trattoria – 503 61^st Ave N., Myrtle Beach

Luigi’s offers some really good Italian food. Veal, Chicken, or Eggplant Parmigiana, Homemade Gnocchi, Shrimp Scampi, and a whole lot more. Luigi’s has a nice atmosphere and you will usually see at least a few Italian families enjoying their cuisine while you dine. Make sure to save some room for their Tiramisu, it’s one of the best that I have had in Myrtle Beach.

If you are interested in additional dining options in Myrtle Beach, please click here.