Winter Golf in Arizona, California and Nevada

Well, now that our November Special at The Doral is over it's time to think about your winter golf getaway.

Prices for this winter are very reasonable given the soft economy, so if you're going this year now is the time to contact your travel agency... or hopefully, my golf travel agency.

Some of the "best buys" this year are in and around Las Vegas (including Mesquite, NV) and the San Diego area. And, although Phoenix area golf is still a bit pricy, we do have some "sleepers" - great tracks that are a little lesser known thus better bargains.

And for the umteenth year, our Gold Canyon, Arizona package is a fabulous bargain... especially if you want to sneak away right after the Holidays.

My blog readers get Free Advice! I, with my 24 handicap, have screwed up rounds of golf on dozens of these great courses. Whether you ever book a trip with my agency, I'm okay with sharing my knowledge of what courses and resorts are overpriced and what ones are true bargains. Just send your questions to dick@golf-vacation.com. (just copy & paste)

Cheers,

Dick

Well, Midwest Golfers... It's About Over!

It's been a fun summer of golf but now it's time to think about heading south for a winter escape! So many of our clients are planning to do so. With the economy woes, many are putting off their planning for now. But as Newton once said, "Every action has an equal and opposite reaction". With bookings being soft hotels, golf resorts, car rental companies and airlines are trying to stimulate sales with some great incentives:

- A World-Class Resort in South Florida is offering a November (including Thanksgiving weekend) "Stay & Play" for about the room cost alone!

- Our #1 resort package (Phoenix) is selling Winter 2009 at last year's price for those that book by December 31.

- Several hotels on our "Golf-Around" packages are offering a 4th night free, room upgrades and other amenities.

- Our principal car rental company is quoting SUV's and mini-vans (required equipment for golf groups) at prices well-below the last few years.

We in the Minneapolis area were treated to the US Women's Open at Interlachen Country Club... some of our local clients will be "seeing the gals" again at the LPGA Safeway International in Arizona - right across the road from where they will be playing when not watching the tournament.

 

After being thrilled by the match between Tiger & Rocco at the U.S. Open, several of our clients will take their turn at Torrey Pines! One of our most popular golf vacation packages at Gateway Golf Vacations consists of 3 rounds at Torrey Pines and 3 nights lodging at the Sonoran Suites at Torry Ridge. 

Check out all of our golf vacations at www.golf-vacation.com and get those travel bags ready!

Cheers,

Dick

Will Tiger Woods win at Torrey Pines?

It's good to see Tiger back... and, after a rusty round on Thursday at the U.S. Open, he's back in the hunt for Sunday. That's pretty amazing after knee surgery and a 6-week layoff! As an avid NHL Hockey fan, I was amused by Tiger's comment a couple weeks ago that nobody watches hockey on TV anymore. While Detroit during the Stanley Cup finals, he was asked if he is pulling for the Detroit Red Wings or the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Setting political correctness aside, the NHL fired back pointing out that national ratings for the finals on NBC set a new record this year while the ratings for PGA Golf are in the toilet - unless Tiger is playing. Ratings during his layoff after surgery were abysmal. Showing his political prowess, Tiger explained that he loves to attend NHL games - he just doesn't like watching on TV. (Right!)

After the U.S. Open is over could it be your turn to play Torrey Pines? One of our most popular golf vacation packages at Gateway Golf Vacations consists of 3 rounds at Torrey Pines and 3 nights lodging at the Sonoran Suites at Torry Ridge. Check out all of our golf vacations at www.golf-vacation.com.

Before I get back to work, I want to reiterate the "tip" I had in the last post: Costco stores are now selling discount certificates for greens fees at 1,200 courses around the country. You get two $50 certificates for $75. Look at the course listings at teetime.com

Cheers,

Dick

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