Golf Vacations

As TeeTimes.net continues to grow, we wanted to take a moment to point out some of the fantastic golf courses and destinations recently added to our list of partners.

First up is Myrtle Beach, S.C., America’s undisputed king of vacation golf. Among the Grand Strand courses available for discount booking are longtime favorite Indigo Creek GC and Wicked Stick, John Daly’s first-ever design effort.

If you’ve ever wondered why so many folks rave about Chicago’s golf charms, now’s the time to find out. We feature more than 20 Windy City tracks, including highly rated George Dunne National.

Speaking of top-ranked courses, you can now book Ohio’s finest public course, Longaberger GC, right here at TeeTimes.net. Architect Arthur Hills outdid himself at Longaberger — owned and operated by the company that makes those famous, hand-crafted baskets – and the golf world took notice. Golfweek ranks Longaberger No. 1 in Ohio while Golf Digest places it No. 56 among America’s greatest public tracks.

We’ve also got the best of North Dakota’s best according to Digest, Hawktree GC (left). James Engh’s thrilling, linksy design incorporates just 80 acres of irrigated turf as it tumbles through the Burnt Creek valley.

Swinging down to New Mexico, we’ve proudly added the Golf Club at Rainmakers, Golf Digest’s fourth-rated course in this underrated golf state. It’s one of Robert Trent Jones II’s most scenic efforts.

If it’s scenery you’re after, few places can match the Bay Area. San Francisco’s Presidio GC occupies prime real estate just south of the Golden Gate Bridge. The classic, 113-year-old course was once open only to military personnel and honored guests – fellows like Presidents Teddy Roosevelt and Dwight Eisenhower.

That’s but a brief sampling of our newcomers, and we’re adding more all the time – so visit TeeTimes.net often to find great deals near you.

There’s no vacation like a golf vacation.

Sure, traveling with a golf bag is a hassle. But consider the upside of an extended stay in a spot designed to please visiting golfers and, often, their spouses and kids. 

• Stay-and-play packages offering deep discounts on rooms and greens fees
• Top-flight accommodations with amenities galore
• Tons of fun and/or relaxing activities for non-golfers in the group
• A plethora of restaurants, bars and clubs that inevitably spring up near popular destinations

The vacationing golfer can’t go wrong in Orlando, Fla., or Scottsdale, Ariz., which we profile here.

Orlando Means Magic for Golfers, Too

There’s no better place for a golf vacation than the city that Mickey built, especially if the whole family’s involved. For starters, Orlando is studded with first-rate courses by big-name architects. Many of these feature teaching academies where a vacationing golfer can hone the swing in the hands of a professional.

Off the course, well, Orlando’s theme parks have something for most everyone.

Gorge on golf: Home to some 75 courses, Orlando’s can’t-miss list includes Orange County National (with two fantastic 18s and a mammoth circular driving range); ChampionsGate (featuring a fine pair of Greg Norman layouts); Mystic Dunes (classic Florida golf with a hint of Great Britain); and Shingle Creek Golf Club (a golfer’s paradise near the airport and major parks).

Stay & play: Grand Cypress Golf Resort – 45 holes of Jack Nicklaus’ most provocative work envelop luxury accommodations. Amenities include in-room spa service, seven restaurants, five lounges and a 21-acre lake.

Après golf: Downtown Orlando features lots of late-night hot spots but draws a younger crowd – not that there’s anything wrong with that. Of course, there’s Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld and a gazillion other family-oriented attractions.

Scottsdale Takes Lux to a New Level

This Phoenix suburb’s mix of high-end golf courses, spas, restaurants and nightlife draws visitors the world over. Like Orlando, the area is home to many tour pros thanks to the weather, quality courses, stellar practice facilities and top teachers. 

Gorge on golf: The Phoenix metro area boasts a staggering 185 courses, with many of the best clustered around Scottsdale. Picking favorites is tough, but here goes: Troon North (the pinnacle of public golf); TPC Scottsdale (Stadium Course is a blast even without the rowdy crowds); Wildfire Golf Club (Arnold Palmer and Nick Faldo carved 36 sterling holes from the desert); Desert Canyon Golf Club (mountain views and risk-reward aplenty).

Stay & play: Arizona Biltmore – A genuine landmark that has hosted presidents and celebrities for eight decades, the Biltmore offers two unique golf courses along with 740 guest rooms, spa, and the pool Marilyn Monroe called her favorite.

Après golf: Scottsdale’s surging culinary scene features just about every cuisine imaginable. If your plans include a day off from golf, spellbinding Sedona is an easy drive north while the Grand Canyon beckons a bit further up the road.