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Showing posts with label Golf Courses. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Golf Courses. Show all posts

ZealousGolfer.com Review: Frosty Valley Golf Links, Pittsburgh, PA

on May 31, 2010 12:25 PM , in , , , 1 Comment

As you've probably read, I have covered a lot of different courses from around the U.S. and Europe in my recent course reviews.


One thing I have noticed about golfing in my hometown of Pittsburgh is that there aren't many reviews of local courses. This summer, I hope to build a sizable database of reviews of Pittsburgh golf courses.

I am going to kick off this feature with a review of the Frosty Valley Golf Links in Upper St. Clair, PA.

Introduction:

Frosty Valley is a nine hole course located in Upper St. Clair - a suburb outside of Pittsburgh. With three sets of tees, the course plays at 3,121 yards from the tips, 2,863 yards from the middle tees, and 2,371 yards at the shortest.

Though not a full 18 hole facility, the nine hole course plays at a par of 36 unlike some other nine hole courses (that substitute par fives with additional par threes).

When I played in May of 2010 (for anyone who comes across this article in the future), it was $13 to play 9 holes. However, the course also offers both golf carts and pull carts for an additional charge.

The Good:

One thing that often disappoints me about nine hole courses is that they often choose to not only skip the back nine but cut out par fives and rely on short par 3's instead. Fortunately, Frosty Valley is a pretty typical public golf experience in its own right - aside from lacking a back nine.

At the very least, advanced players will face challenges from a few lengthy holes, the many trees that border the fairways, and a number of shots that encourage you to work the ball. It's not Augusta, but the experienced golfer can be tested at this course.

That said, perhaps the greatest strength of Frosty Valley is its accessibility. Relatively inexpensive and often uncrowded, this is a great place to have a round with the family. Not only will it be a short round (great for any new golfer), but most of the holes don't require players to traverse tricky hazards or bunkers.

Nonetheless, there are a few holes that will definitely test a golfer's mettle. The third hole, a short par four, puts water in play off the tee. The par three 7th hole requires a
mid-length shot over water to hit the green.

(I also encountered some interesting wildlife. This is probably the first time, surprisingly, that I have run into a turtle on a golf course).

Finally, one problem I have run into is the lack of solid practice facilities in Pittsburgh's South Hills. Frosty Valley's range is fairly flat and uses actual grass rather than mats. The practice green is also in good shape. Even if you don't intend to play a round, Frosty Valley is a great choice when looking for somewhere to practice.

The Bad:

Two complaints. First, the greens aren't going to knock your socks off. They tend to run pretty slow, which may be an advantage for the new golfer who doesn't want to be intimidated on the short grass.

Second, many of the holes have bunkers around the greens, but (at least from my most recent experience) they are not well kept. The sand is usually pretty hard and finding a rake afterward is a challenge. This is just a pet peeve of mine, so I felt like it is worth mentioning in the article.

The Ugly:

If you live or golf somewhat frequently in Western Pennsylvania, you won't be surprised by this conclusion. This course is pretty hilly. If you are in good physical condition, walking only nine holes will be fine. However, if you aren't used to walking with your golf bag in the sun, it would probably be best to invest in a cart. This course has the potential to tire you out.
One issue I have run into in the past is that play can get pretty slow during crowded weekend rounds. Maybe because some golfers have to return to the first tee to play their second nine, the course can back up relatively easy and lead to a snail-paced round. However, calling the pro shop beforehand should prevent this problem.

The Conclusion:

If you are in the area and want to play a quick round (i.e. with the family or a recreational nine), Frosty Valley is worth a look. For more information, they have a website up.

For a fun golf experience but without some of the sophistication of other courses in the area, Frosty Valley scores a 3 out of 5 stars.

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ZealousGolfer.com Travel: Hilton Head Island

on May 25, 2010 11:16 AM , in , , , 0 Comments

For this new installment of ZealousGolfer.com Travel, I turn to one of the nation's few universally loved golf destinations: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.


Fantastic weather? Check. In fact, the average high in the summer months tends to fall in the mid 80s, and golfers enjoy consistently mild weather in the spring and fall.

Great sights? Check. You probably can instantly recall the image of the lighthouse at Harbour Town Marina from watching the Verizon Heritage on the PGA Tour.

Most importantly, great golf? Definitely.

Golf in Hilton Head:

Although the resorts and ocean are certainly reasons to come to Hilton Head, golf is undoubtedly the most compelling reason to head to South Carolina.

Make sure to check out the complete list of Hilton Head golf courses, but I will talk about a few of the island's very memorable golf opportunities in this article.
No Hilton Head review would be complete without a mention of the famous Harbour Town Golf Links. This course has played host to the PGA Tour when the world's best golfers come to town, and for good reason.

Harbour Town winds around the water forcing advanced players to emphasize accuracy over pure distance on many of the holes. What makes this Jack Nicklaus design even more challenging is the prevalence of small greens. If you are looking to be tested on your golf trip to Hilton Head, Harbour Town is definitely the place to be.

On the other end of the spectrum (as Hilton Head is famous for providing golfers of all skill levels a great experience), the Robert Trent Jones course at Palmetto Dunes is far friendlier.

Don't get me wrong. At the tips, the Robert Trent Jones plays at over 6,700 yards and includes many of the challenging elements of Harbour Town and the other resort courses. That said, RTJ emphasizes the fun of golf while removing some of the more dangerous elements to provide every golfer with a calm, relaxing round.

Conclusion:

Hilton Head is unique for a few reasons. For one, the number of golf options available is unmatched by virtually any other golf destination in the United States. This is one of the few places where one could stay for a week without any chance of getting bored.

On top of that, both elite and novice golfers will have the opportunity to have a phenomenal time. For me, this captures the spirit of a great golf vacation that is perfect for families seeking a getaway.

Be sure to check here for Hilton Head tee times, as well as options in dining and accommodations.

Hilton Head earns ZG's seal of approval. This is an experience that no golfer can afford to miss.

ZealousGolfer.com Travel: Turtle Bay Resort, Hawaii

on May 10, 2010 8:31 PM , in , , , , , , 0 Comments

For my previous travel articles, I have covered several European destinations. Now I would like to turn back to what is perhaps the most exotic vacation spot in the United States: Hawaii.


The last time I looked at golf in Hawaii, I took a look at the Kapalua Resort. Of course, considering that the PGA Tour devotes the first weeks of every season to golfing on the islands, it is clear that there are a multitude of other phenomenal options available when a zealous golfer makes his/her way to Hawaii.

A personal favorite for me (which in my opinion is a must-play for any one interested in Hawaii golf) is the Turtle Bay Resort.

You are probably already familiar with the resort from the 2008 film Forgetting Sarah Marshall. This resort provided the setting for the film, but its two premier golf courses are also easily recognizable for playing host to professional golf tournaments.

Only 50 minutes from Honolulu, Turtle Bay is the only major golf resort on the North Shore.

The Golf:

Turtle Bay boasts two championship golf courses. One was designed by the King himself, Arnold Palmer. The other is a George Fazio design.

Each course is named after its world-famous architect.

The Palmer Course is notable in its use of a Scottish links-style layout similar to many of Palmer's original courses.

The Fazio Course preceded the Palmer and has played host to the Senior Skins game and an LPGA event. While shorter in length than the Palmer (at 6,500 yards maximum), the Fazio provides players of all varieties a challenge with enormous, sculpted greens.

The price for a tee time ranges from $90-180 during the year at both courses. Like most resorts, staying on-site has the added benefit of less expensive golf during your stay. While the Fazio and Palmer designs certainly are elite golf courses, junior golfers may play for only $30 at both.
Conclusion:

The Turtle Bay Resort is a phenomenal representation of the best Hawaiian golf has to offer. With many courses to offer, fantastic golf resources (for instance, a teaching academy and state of the art driving range on-site), and an unparalleled resort on-site, Turtle Bay is hard to match in quality.

If you are planning your golf trip, make sure to check out Hawaii golf courses here.

Turtle Bay certainly earns the ZealousGolfer.com seal of approval for its commitment to a great golf and vacation experience.

ZealousGolfer.com Travel: Nicklaus Golf Trail, Spain

on April 15, 2010 3:19 PM , in , , , , , 0 Comments

At the end of last year, I took a look at the La Manga Club, which proved to be one of the best options in Spanish golf. One of La Manga's neighbors in the south of Spain is the Nicklaus Golf Trail, which shares the great weather and proximity to phenomenal beaches.


What the Nicklaus Golf Trail brings to the table, however, is suggested by the name: five of the world's best courses designed by the Golden Bear: Jack Nicklaus. In fact, the Golf Trail boasts the highest concentration of Nicklaus designs of any golf facility in the entire world.

Let's check out the courses.

Courses:

The Nicklaus project is a pretty epic vision. There are five completed courses that are open to guests at this point, but that isn't all. One more course is in the works, and there are two more courses being planned.

The Polaris World project will create an unparalleled golfing experience when it is completed. That said, golfers already have the opportunity to play 90 distinct holes of golf.

The Mar Menor, La Torre, El Valle, Hacienda and La Torre Sur courses all boast unique, championship layouts. They are all within a 15 mile radius. The La Torre Sur will be familiar to American guests who have played Nicklaus's course in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Utilizing olive trees, large rocks, wide bunkers, and many lakes, these courses will provide challenges to any experienced golfer. Nonetheless, these courses capture the resort feel by being accessible to golfers of any skill level.

The Stay:

The Nicklaus Golf Trail is unique because it compiles the resources of many of Spain's best golf resorts. Thus, for those seeking a golf vacation in Spain, the Golf Trail is ideal: great hotels, beaches, and more golf holes than you will have time to play.

If you are interested in a trip to Murcia, Spain, make sure to search around here for tee times.

With so much to offer for the vacationing golfer from shopping in the town to the diversity of courses, the Nicklaus Golf Trail is truly a can't-miss opportunity.

Hacker Alert: Season 2: Returning to Golf

on March 4, 2010 8:56 PM , in , , , , 0 Comments

I always have mixed feelings about my first round of the season. On one hand, I love getting back out on the links. On the other hand, the weather is usually poor, and it takes me a few rounds to get my swing back together.


Fortunately, the "bad weather" issue wasn't a problem this year since I was kicking off my golf year in New Orleans instead of Pittsburgh. I headed out after I got home on a gorgeous sunny and 60 degree day.

The site of the start of my 2010 season? Audubon Golf Club, which is located in Audubon Park right across from Tulane University.

Audubon is a short executive course - par 62, about 4,000 yards altogether. Despite its small size, Audubon offers some tough little par 3s surrounded by bunkers and water and a few long-ish ones too.

Moving on to my game, it was tough. I walked onto the first tee completely cold (as in, didn't hit a ball since last October).

The front nine sucked. Nothing was really working. I was hitting a low slice with my driver, which is pretty uncharacteristic of my normal shot shape. There were the occasional iron shots that hovered a few feet above the ground as they approached the green sprinkled along as well.

Simply put, I definitely wasn't in my comfort zone yet. As I moved along, I got some confidence with my irons and driver, but my wedges and putter never caught up during the round. This week will definitely include some time on the practice green. Not surprisingly, as a generally poor short game player, I tend to lose my touch pretty badly during the winter.

Fortunately, the back nine went fairly well. I needed that. I finished the front 9 on a medium-sized par 4 that stretches along a lake while doglegging to the right. As a venerable Tin Cup, I managed to dump three balls into the water before taking out my 7 iron and laying up on the side.

With that mistake, the back nine was fairly calm with a few pars between series of bogeys. Nothing to write home about, but it could have gone a lot worse.

I want to get out again by next Thursday (probably at Audubon again to emphasize my short game and short to mid irons).

My keys for the week:

1. Get on the putting green and work on lag putting. It was dismal this week, and I need to get my touch back.
2. Go to the driving range and hit a lot of balls to get my feel back. I need to get my timing in order again.
3. Try to identify why I was slicing in the beginning of the round. My shot shape transformed into my usual draw by the end of my round, but I am not entirely sure what changed.

My goal for next time I play Audubon is to finish at 10 over par or less. If I can commit to working on my keys, I think this is realistic progress for me. I suppose we'll see.

ZealousGolfer.com Travel: Dona Filipa and San Lorenzo Resort, Portugal

on February 19, 2010 3:05 PM , in , , , , , 0 Comments

In my last ZealousGolfer.com travel article, I covered one of Europe's classic golfing spots: Scotland. This time, I am going to talk about one of the most popular vacation destinations for Europeans: Portugal.


Americans hear a lot about Spanish golf. Great weather, Sergio Garcia, etc. However, Portugal, as Spain's neighbor to the west on the Iberian Peninsula, is too often left out
of the conversation.

It shouldn't be. As a terrific coastal nation, Portugal should be on the top of any golfer's list when planning a golf trip to Europe.

One "can't-miss" course in Portugal is at the Dona Filipa and San Lorenzo Golf Resort. Found in southern Algarve, Portgual, Dona Filipa overlooks the fantastic coast and the Atlantic Ocean. More about that later.

The Golf:

Dona Filipa's crown jewel is certainly the San Lorenzo Golf Course. Combining the features of natural woodlands, water, and undulating Bermuda grass greens, the San Lorenzo course will not disappoint.

The course is a fairly recent (1988) design by American Joe Lee, an icon in the golf architecture community. He is the one responsible for designs at Cog Hill, the Walt Disney World Resort (ZealousGolfer.com Reviewed), and the La Costa Resort.

As a resort course, San Lorenzo offers many options for everyone from experienced to new golfers (the white tees play at over 6,200 yards and the red tees are set at roughly 5,200 yards).

Players often encounter numerous forms of wildlife during their rounds at San Lorenzo. Many attest to seeing flamingoes, nesting storks, and turtles while on the property.


With a short game area consisting of practice bunkers, a full size putting green, and two chipping greens, San Lorenzo offers golfers ample opportunity work on their games or warm-up before rounds. A driving range is also located on site.

San Lorenzo's clubhouse is fit with a bar and a restaurant to accommodate the needs of golfers before or after their rounds.

All in all, San Lorenzo is definitely worth playing. As a consistent leader in Portuguese golf, San Lorenzo should be on your agenda during your golf trip in Portugal.

The Hotel:

Although the Dona Filipa Resort is well-known to hand out enticing deals to guests, it remains a respected five-star hotel.

154 luxury rooms, three tennis courts, a heated pool, a spa, and close proximity to the ocean make the Dona Filipa hotel appealing to the golfer and the non-golfer alike.

Recent visitors have cited the staff's service as the hotel's most valuable asset. With a team eager to ensure that you enjoy your vacation, the luxurious accommodations of the hotel cannot be beat.

While Dona Filipa and San Lorenzo provide guests with many entertainment options on the property, the area surrounding the resort is well known for phenomenal dining and shopping. Unlike many resorts, it is tough to get bored when staying here.

On top of that, the resort borders the Vale de Lobo beach, which is often recognized as one of Portugal's nicest beaches.

Conclusion:

If you are planning a European golf adventure, you should definitely investigate a stay at the Dona Filipa and San Lorenzo Resort. Great golf and great accommodations make this resort a unique gem among the many European golf options.

ZealousGolfer.com Travel: Turnberry, Scotland

on January 21, 2010 3:41 PM , in , , 0 Comments

Finally, I am posting an update that doesn't deal with Tiger Woods' scandal. You should definitely be excited for this one.

Moving on...

As we have witnessed during the Open Championship each summer, Scotland has provided the world with some of the finest courses and resorts available to golfers.

One of interest to me is Turnberry, located on Scotland's scenic coast. The Ailsa course, which traditionally hosts the resort's professional golf tournaments, is highly memorable for virtually every golf fan. From the 1977 "duel in the sun" between Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson for the Claret Jug to Tom Watson's near victory last year, Turnberry holds a special place in golf history.

Let's take a look at what a stay at Turnberry offers golfers of all levels.

Golf:

Of course, the Ailsa course is the crown jewel of the resort. Despite the history of St. Andrews, this course has been consistently ranked as the top layout in the United Kingdom.
Aside from the opportunity to imitate golf's greatest champions, the course is also unique because the holes border Scotland's shoreline. Oftentimes, this brings wind into play to give golfers the ideal British links experience (not to mention the scenic vistas afforded by the design).

Alternatively, golfer
s may also stay on site by playing the Kintyre Course. From looks at the sea to the famous Turnberry lighthouse, tourists and locals alike enjoy the setting of the course. Although Turnberry's history stretches back to WWII when the location was flattened and used for the Royal Air Force, the Kintyre course opened in 2001.

Moreover, like every elite golf resort, a world class golf institute rests on the property. Interestingly enough, Turnberry allows guests to enhance their games at the Colin Montgomerie Golf Academy. The academy provides an array of learning opportunities from live feedback from a teaching professional to swing analysis using state of the art technology.

Clearly, Turnberry's golf options establish the resort as one of the world's premier venues for the sport.

Resort:
Obviously, it is a tough job to match the quality of Turnberry's golf courses in the resort category. However, there is a reason Scotland Golf refers to Turnberry as the "Pebble Beach of the British Isles."

The fortunate circumstance of owning several world famous golf facilities is no reason to skimp on providing the best resort experience.

The Westin Turnberry resort is certainly the place to stay. If you want to indulge in the Turnberry experience (left picture: a view from the Westin Turnberry), your hotel room will provide an unparalleled look at the golf courses. If you prefer to stay with a larger group, the Lodges at Turnberry offer guests apartments with numerous amenities.

Conclusion:

If you are planning to golf in Scotland, a visit to the Turnberry resort is absolutely necessary. The resort's courses are a crucial part of the complete links experience.

From the historic, elegant housing options available at the resort to 36 holes of traditional links golf, Turnberry is a site that you cannot afford to miss on your trip to the UK.

ZealousGolfer.com Travel: La Manga Club, Spain

on December 5, 2009 1:42 PM , in , , 0 Comments

Let's break with our coverage of Tiger-gate for a moment. I know it's been a while since ZealousGolfer.com covered anything else, but hey, we're fairly versatile here.


At any rate, I wanted to discuss a phenomenal option for golfers planning a trip to Europe. I have discussed several top-rate courses in the UK before, but I think an often underrated golf location is the vacation destination for Europe: Spain.

Specifically, I'd like to talk about the La Manga Club. La Manga is located in Cartagena, which is in the southeastern region of the country. Known for its sights and warm weather, Cartagena is a popular location for tourists.

If you are thinking of a trip to Spain, the La Manga Club should be on your list of things to do. Offering three golf courses on-site, it is no surprise that La Manga has been rated "Europe's leading golf resort." The courses have hosted numerous prestigious professional and amateur tournaments including the Spanish Open.

Aside from three championship courses, there is also a pitch-and-putt course on the property that will allow you to play a purely recreational round with a spouse or the entire family.

For those looking to improve their games while on vacation, a full service golf academy is located on site.

Although golf is certainly my favorite amenity at the La Manga Club, the resort provides guests with dozens of other entertainment options. These include everything from scuba diving to cricket games to horseback riding.

There are two options for guests to house on the property. One is a five star hotel that sits next to two of the resort's courses. The other is a resort village, which offers a combination of apartments and townhouses.

If you are looking to golf in Spain, you should definitely consider a trip to La Manga. The resort's courses and atmosphere make it a "can't miss" destination.

ZealousGolfer.com Travel: Las Vegas, NV

on October 25, 2009 2:51 PM , in , , 0 Comments

We are going to change direction a little bit with the latest ZealousGolfer.com travel article. Usually, I like to focus on one resort and what it offers to golfers and other guests. However, I wanted to discuss one of the most underrated golf towns on the planet: Las Vegas, Nevada.


If you live in America, you probably have been to Vegas at some point in time. Nonetheless, many golfing visitors haven't managed to work a trip to the links into their schedules. It's about time. Here are a few spots you need to check out on your next vacation to Vegas.

Let's start with the most important detail: the courses. Although many tourists would tell you to check out the course at the Wynn, my personal favorite is Bali Hai Golf Club at Mandalay Bay. Four sets of tees playing at more than 7,000 yards from the tips give golfers of all abilities a lot of room to have fun at Bali Hai.

Furthermore, Bali Hai's high quality course has been recognized. It was ranked as one of the top 50 public courses by Golf Digest's Golf World this year. While expensive, it will still be a cheaper play than Wynn's course while offering the amenities of the resort, as the course was built right next to the hotel.

Once you check out the course, you will need to find an equally spectacular gambling experience. Although Mandalay Bay would be a good choice for your stay, there are certainly other options available.

The Bellagio is the place to go for poker in Vegas. With shopping, dining, and a
gorgeous layout, the Bellagio will please virtually any guest. The resort also hosts the world-renowned Cirque show, "O." You can't go wrong here.

Aside from the Bellagio, the Palms is another great spot for younger guests. The resort is well-known for unmatched nightlife. The pool parties that many guests frequent on the weekends at the Palms will also provide guests with an extremely memorable experience.

One common concern facing golfers is the heat. We all are aware that Vegas is sco
rching during the summer. How do you beat the heat?
May and September are solid choices if you can stand relatively hot temperatures. The price of your rounds will start to decline, but you will be able to get onto courses fairly easily. If you manage to snag early or late tee times, the golf will be fantastic. Most resorts and area golf courses manage to keep their fairways in superb condition during these months.

At any rate, Vegas golf is an experience that no golfer should miss out on. For further reading, check out this casino guide.

Where are your favorite spots in Vegas?

ZealousGolfer.com Travel: Kapalua Resort, HI

on September 1, 2009 2:30 PM , in , , , 0 Comments

Few courses let you live the PGA Tour experience quite like the Plantation course at the Kapalua Resort in Hawaii. Perhaps you don't get to sample the heartbreak of defeat or the pressure of crowds watching your every shot, but you will get to hack on a gorgeous layout designed to provide many scenic vistas (as well as the island's best golf).


Kapalua Resort is located on the Hawaiian island of Maui, and it provides a vacation experience that very well may lead the pack among many of the nation's most popular resorts.

The Plantation course at Kapalua is where the PGA Tour professionals begin each seaso
n. It hosts the popular Mercedes-Benz Championship in January (which will now be known as the SBS Championship in coming years). The course was designed by golf legend Ben Crenshaw in collaboration with Bill Coore.

If you happen to be the daring golfer who tees it up from the tips, the Plantation course will be over 7,400 yards in length. However, as a resort course, Plantation provides a unique, memorable, and fun experience for golfers of all ages and abilities. The "Championship" tees play at a more manageable 7,200 yards - enough to give even very advanced players a challenge, and the "Regular" tees play at roughly 6,500 yards. These options are complemented by the "Forward" tees at close to 5,600 yards.

Though this is a course built for serious golfers, there are plenty of opportunities to in
dulge in the vacation experience.
The rolling fairways commonly overlook the Pacific Ocean, and you will certainly enjoy the views even if your game isn't holding up. The Plantation course offers what in my opinion is the consummate Hawaiian golf experience - a combination of great golf and the spirit of the island, all in one package.

In addition to the Plantation course, Kapalua also offers the Bay course. This course provides a more laid-back, "resort golf" feel that less experienced golfers may enjoy more than the extremely challenging Plantation layout.

The Bay course was designed by the Arnold Palmer, who in my opinion is the unchallenged master of creating fantastic resort courses. The "Championship" tees are only 6,600 yards, and the "Forward" tees provide a little over 5,100 yards of golf. The "Regular" tees, at around 6,000 yards, may provid
e a better experience for the intermediate golfer looking for a fun day of golf than the Bay's big brother would provide.

As noted, Kapalua is not only the home of several fantastic golf courses. It is also a gorgeous resort that will fill your vacation with endless entertainment. Kapalua Bay was actually ranked as "America's Best Beach," which says a lot considering how stiff the competition is.

On the resort, you can also enjoy access to a zipline, rock climbing, a pineapple plantation tour, as well as many other activities. A first-rate spa, not surprisingly, is also located on site.

In essence, Kapalua Bay is unique in providing its guests with virtually everything they would want to do on their ideal Hawaiian vacation within the confines of the resort.

Whether you are a zealous golfer or the wife of one, Kapalua Golf Resort will give any guest a memorable experience. The golf courses are superb, and the amenities the resort offers are unparalleled. Certainly, Kapalua Plantation is a "must play" if you are in the area.

For more information, make sure to check out the resort's website. You can learn more about scheduling a trip or getting a tee time at one of the resort's courses.

ZealousGolfer.com Travel: Golf in Panama

on August 31, 2009 2:40 PM , in , , 0 Comments

The History of Golf in Panama

With its amazing weather and breathtaking landscapes, Panama has become one of the premiere destinations in the world for golf. Though newer courses are being designed and constructed, the history of Panama’s original golf courses provides a rich portrait of why this sport was perfect for bringing out the best in Panama’s natural qualities.


The First Golf Course in Panama

Club de Golf de Panama, or Panama Golf Club, is the oldest golf course in Panama City. This private, par 70, 18-hole course was conceptualized and created after the Armistice was signed. After realizing how lush and beautiful the surrounding area was, a handful of officers from the Army and Navy decided to bring the beloved sport of golf to Panama. Soon, these officers got together a group of interested friends in 1918, and an initial team of sixteen “founders” were finally able to bring Panama’s first golf course to reality.


The Two Most Popular Golf Courses in Panama

While the Panama Golf Club is still a favorite among players, the two most popular Panama golf courses are the Summit Golf Resort and the Coronado Golf Club. Originally opening in the 1930’s for Americans working in the Panama Canal Zone, the Summit Golf Resort is made up of two courses located in the forests of the Panama Canal. These beautiful courses were originally designed with 18 and 6 holes, and recent GPS technology has made the Summit Golf Resort into a groundbreaking one of a kind golf experience. Out of all the golf courses in Panama, the Coronado Golf Club, which was the first course constructed outside of Panama City, is considered by many to be the “jewel” of Latin America. The Coronado Golf Club is a 7,092 yard, 18-hole, par 72 golf course, and is known for its large collection of fruit trees, including mango trees, palms, teak, rubber, and acacia. This championship golf course was designed and created by Tom Fazio, who has been ranked as one of the best golf course designers in the entire world. Professionally, the Coronado Golf Club has hosted the European Challenge Tour’s Panasonic Panama Open.


Newer Golf Courses in Panama

Though the older courses are still held in high regard, some of Panama’s newer golf courses are also favorable and challenging to golfers. For instance, the Tuscan Country Club and Resort is a par 72, 18-hole championship course, and is beloved for its rich surroundings of rare wildlife, including macaws, sloths, and the toucan bird. Players at the Tuscan Country Club also enjoy rolling hills, lush forests, and breathtaking views of the Panama Canal. In the future, a number of other exciting golf courses are being developed, such as the Buenaventura, which will feature a layout that includes white sandy beaches.

For those professional or novice golfers who are staying at Panama hotels for a relaxing vacation, there are a number of historical and new golf courses that are sure to provide a totally unique golfing experience.


Want free golf? Check out this model

on August 20, 2009 12:48 PM , in , 0 Comments

I picked this link off of a Twitter post. Lake Forest Golf Club in Ann Arbor, Michigan is offering what is basically free golf.


This is a cool idea, and I wish more courses would follow this model. The economic strategy seems to make a lot of sense...

Viva le revolution. Check it out.

ZealousGolfer.com Travel: Grande Dunes Golf Resort, SC

on July 28, 2009 1:21 PM , in , , 0 Comments

When one thinks of golf trips in the United States, Myrtle Beach in South Carolina automatically comes to mind. Certainly with good reason! Myrtle Beach has been known as a golf Mecca for years by boasting more than 120 golf courses, numerous bars and restaurants, and an ideal climate.


Of course, there is definitely stiff competition in Myrtle Beach for golfers given the number of choices that players have. Nevertheless, despite being a fairly recent creation, the Grande Dunes resort has skyrocketed to the upper
echelon of courses in that area.

What makes the Grande Dunes unique in a sea of great golf options? The most prominent feature of the Grande Dunes is water. For one, nearly every hole on the course requires golfers to avoid a water hazard. On another level, the water of the Grande Dunes is significant as players have ample opportunity to check out many beautiful vistas due to the coastal waterway lining the course.

As noted, the Grande Dunes is filled with obstacles - many in the form of water hazards. It also includes many greenside bunkers, which will make players fight for greens-in-regulation. If you are a player who likes to be challenged, the Grande Dunes may be your best course option in the Myrtle Beach area.

Though better players will find the course difficult, the Grande Dunes captures the essence of a great golf resort: provide a course that is fun for everyone. With this objective in mind, there are six different tees that players can choose from, and these range from over 5,300 yards to over 7,600 yards.

The Grande Dunes is a personal favorite not just because it is long and tough, but because it forces golfers to adopt a strategy on every hole. Many courses may lose this element as they fall victim to the "bomb-and-gouge" sensation and respond by simply making each hole a little longer. On the contrary, the Grande Dunes was masterfully designed to force every player, regardless of skill, to make decisions with each shot. Even with the water hazards, sand traps, and length, a smart player who is on his or her game will be able to post a great score. It will just require a little thought.

Yardages:

Gold :: 7,618
Black :: 7,195
Blue :: 6,737
White :: 6,272
Silver :: 5,900
Red :: 5,353

If you are in the mood to tune up your game while on your trip, the Grande Dunes also owns a golf academy on-site. They offer a wide variety of packages, so you will almost certainly find what you are looking for if you are interested in golf instruction on the trip.

The contemporary golf clubhouse provides a well-stocked pro shop, but you can also find great dining while overlooking several of Grande Dunes' holes.

To stay on site, you will want to book a room at the gorgeous Marina Inn. The hotel has a fantastic pool, a spa, and even rental watersport equipment.

As noted, I believe that a trip to the Grande Dunes is a spectacular way to enjoy your golf vacation to what may be called the golf capital of the U.S. The resort's course will provide a challenge to any golfer while still allowing your group to have a great time.

For more information, check out the Grande Dunes website.

Hate Your Job? Like Golf? Good News!

on July 22, 2009 1:42 PM , in , 0 Comments

A few months ago, "the world's best job" made headlines by selecting one lucky contestant to spend his days living on an island on Australia's Great Barrier Reef. One small catch: he/she had to maintain a blog during their time on the island to keep the outside world up to date on their life.


Some bright folks decided to apply this idea to golf. YourGolfTravel.com is now promoting a similar contest:

Your Golf Travel.com is looking to liberate a weekend golfer who is sick and tired of the rat race and give them the ultimate job in golf, spending a year travelling the world to sample and review some of the globe’s most desirable golf destinations. The job will see the lucky candidate representing Your Golf Travel.com and its suppliers at courses including Turnberry, Pebble Beach and St. Andrews,where they will write and share reviews and information with fellow travelling golfers.


Interested? The contest begins with a small essay contest detailing a great golf vacation. After that list of competitors has been filtered to the top entrants, an 18 hole tournament will ensue. Then, the remaining field will battle for the job of a lifetime. Make sure to check this out.

Golf Travel: Disney's Osprey Ridge

on June 30, 2009 1:38 PM , in , , , , 1 Comment

Golf in Florida has always been a favorite among players across the U.S. However, when most think of the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida , few envision one of America's top golf resorts. In fact, to complement the world's most famous theme parks, the folks at Disney have built several great golf courses which may be some of Orlando's most affordable when played at the right times. Somewhat surprisingly, the Walt Disney World Resort was placed in "The Top 100 Golf Resorts" by Golf Magazine. Recently, I was fortunate enough to get a shot at two of these courses on my Floridia vacation.


Disney has hosted professional golf events for over thirty years. Among the champions of Disney golf events are greats such as Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. This year's US Open champion, Lucas Glover, won his first PGA Tour event at the FUNAI Classic at Walt Disney World.

Disney continues to host a PGA Tour event, now known as the Children's Miracle Network Classic. That event will be one of the closing championships of the PGA Tour season, and it will run from November 9th to November 15th. This tournament is played on two of Disney's premier courses: Disney's Magnolia and Palm courses.

The other two major eighteen hole golf courses are Osprey Ridge and Eagle Pines. The two courses share the same upscale, contemporary style clubhouse, which features a restaurant, fully stocked proshop, and locker rooms.

The atmosphere at Osprey Ridge is just like any other golf resort, but with some Disney presence. Golfers may take pictures next to a humorous Mickey Mouse golf cart while Mickey is away on the links. Outside of the Disney logo, the presence of the Disney parks is hardly felt. Many golfers will find the courses a welcome respite from the tremendous crowds, high noise, fast pace, and high priced atmosphere located in the Disney parks.

Golfers may utilize the several large putting greens, or hit balls upon arrival. However, for those golfers on tight budgets who absolutely must hit balls, watch out for the $7.50 price for 45 range balls. There are several other courses and driving ranges in the Orlando area if golfers are looking to hone their swings.

Once you are ready to play, you will have access to the cutting edge Uplink GPS technology in Disney's golf carts. On a small screen inside the cart, the system offers electronic score keeping, yardages from basically everywhere on the course, and graphic overviews of all eighteen holes.

The course was designed by Tom Fazio, who was also the chief re-designer of Augusta National, in their effort to modernize the course. Fazio's work on Osprey Ridge is quite similar to his other famous tracks. Osprey Ridge features great risk reward golf , proven by many accessible holes if players can clear or stay away from major trouble. On the third hole, a 193 yard par three from the tips, a massive bunker lines the entire hole and wraps around the right side of the green. The course's number one handicap hole, the par four 14th, features an extremely tough approach shot with a long iron to a green which rolls toward a large body of water. Laying up is hardly an option with the best landing area threatened by more water as well as a large, deep bunker.


While the first hole at Osprey Ridge is relatively tame, the eighteenth is gorgeous lined by seven fairway bunkers down the right side, water lining the entire hole, and another tough bunker on the left side for players attempting to avoid the right side's trouble. Golfers must fire into an extremely narrow green, again lined by bunkers on both sides and water. The last hole plays at a massive 454 yards considering the danger which could potentially wreck many good rounds.

Overall, the course features may tough par 3's, several long par 4's, and rewarding par 5's. Any golfer can have fun at this course, but spraying shots will never yield good results. While the course is nicely manicured, some of the sand in the bunkers may be a bit too hard, and the greens are somewhat slow, even for a southern course. Also, for golfers who are easily disturbed by loud noises, the train at the Magic Kingdom blasts its siren-like horn constantly, audible for the entire back nine and most of the front nine. If frequent loud noises bother you, your round may be difficult. Luckily, it makes a great excuse for why you shanked that last shot.

From the four different tees, the yardages at Osprey Ridge are as follows:
1. Talon- 7101 Yards (3548/3553)
2. Crest - 6680 Yards (3324/3356)
3. Wings - 610
3 Yards (2982/3121)
4. Feathers - 5402 Yards (2598/2804)

Unless you are planning to play several days, I would not recommend bringing your own clubs. Disney offers rentals with an inventory of Titleist and Cobra sticks. However, the rentals are pricey, so if you do plan playing several days, it is probably worth lugging them down.

If you are planning a trip to the Walt Disney World Resort, the Disney courses are definitely a "must play." It is no secret that Orlando will provide spectacular weather, and any golfer should take advantage of the great courses on location.

Schedule a Golf Vacation!

on January 4, 2009 3:32 PM , in , , , 0 Comments



As the weather turns cold and blustery here in the north, one need no look no further than a cruise line for a welcome respite from the weather and the engaging activity of golf. Cruise lines seem to be embracing golf, adding onboard features, as well on-land excursions.



Newer ships offer video simulartors and miniature golf courses. Many lines have full-time golf pros.
Here's a breakdown of some of what's out there:

Carnival Cruise lines has golf simulars abord several ships which allows golfers to "play" some top courses. Golf pros are avilable for instruction and during golf excursions. You can rent clubs by the day. Putting contests are held onboard.
Celebrity Cruise lines offers a golf concierge service on cruises in the Caribbean, Baja Mexico and the Mexican Rivera. Golf fitness workshops are offered onboard.


Crystal Cruises has a TaylorMade golf program. They have both right and left handed clubs available for men and women. They have PGA golf pros, a putting green, a practice cage and golf driving ranges about the ships. They also offer group clinics for free to passengers.

Disney Cruise Lines have no programs or onboard facility for passesengers. Shore excursions are available.
Golf Cruises with Peter Deilman offers luxury river and ocean cruises with exotic destinations such as the Canary Islands, Dubai, Rome, Spain, Provence and Greenland. For 2009, there are 7 ocean cruises scheduled with golf destinations and include free airfare from 16 US cities. Price wise, these are top end cruises.

Norwegian Cruise lines has four packages available on its Bermuda bound ships. The Pride of America has an extensive golf program which offers trips to championship courses on all four mail islands in Hawaii. Pride of America has a full golf shop and has equipment rental available.

Royal Caribbean offers Golf Ahoy! with both eastern and western Caribbean initeraries.

Seabourn Cruise lines offers 100 different options in 90 ports of call .. ports include Cairns .. Bordeaux and Buenos Aires. They have partnered with Elite Golf Cruises to secure tee times. There is an onboard storage facility for golfers who bring their own clubs.

What Will You Celebrate?

on October 28, 2008 10:42 PM , in , , , , 0 Comments


Erik Compton received one of four sponsor exemptions to the Children's Miracle Network Classic presented by Walmart at Disney World on November 6 - 9. It will be Compton's first PGA Tour event in three years. He will be permitted to use a cart during the event.

Compton has advanced thru the first stage of the PGA Tour qualifying just five months after his second heart transplant. He had a heart attack in October, 2007.


Compton was diagnosed at age 9 with cardiomyopathy, an enlarging of the heart that hinders its ability to pump blood. Three years later (at age 12) in 1992, he received a new heart at Miami's Jackson Memorial Hospital.

ESPN ranks Augusta National as the fifth greatest sports venue

on September 26, 2008 10:33 PM , in , 0 Comments

Golfers turn each spring to Augusta National as the Masters officially kicks off the major championship season. Of course, the Masters, and Augusta National Country Club in general, is marked by a tremendous legacy.

From its founding by amateur legend Bobby Jones to the championships captured by Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods, Augusta has always stood out.

ESPN, this month, has ranked the 100 greatest sports venues. Augusta National was ranked as the fifth best overall, trailing the Astrodome, Madison Square Garden, Camden Yards, and top-ranked Yankee Stadium.

Pebble Beach Golf Links was ranked 21st, and TPC Sawgrass was ranked 57th. Finally, Van Cortland Golf Course in the Bronx was ranked 99th as the oldest public golf course in America. Van Cortland opened in 1895.

Carnoustie Site of Murder

on September 10, 2008 3:06 PM , in , 0 Comments

Carnoustie golf course, the site of Padraig Harrington's Open Championship win, was also the site of a gruesome scene. A burned body was found close to the 11th tee on the Buddon course (one of three courses at Carnoustie).

The body was still smoldering when police arrived. The police have called the find "suspicious". The residents of the town of only 10,000 are, naturally, distressed at the find.

Ernie Els Surges to Take Lead in Dubai

on February 2, 2008 10:16 AM , in , , , , , 0 Comments

South African Ernie Els (ranked #5 in the world) had five birdies and an eagle to move up from 5th place after round two to first place after round three at the Dubai Desert Classic in the United Arab Emirates. His round was electric with a 7-under 65.

Els actually set the course record with an 11-under 61 in 1994. He has won this even three times. Els opened "THE ELS CLUB" this week in Dubai. Located in Dubai Sports City, the Ernie Els designed golf course is 7,538 yards. It is the fifth course Els designed and the first in the Middle East.

Defending champion Henrik Stenson of Sweden is one stroke behind the leader.

Tiger Woods had a more challenging day and is now four strokes out of the lead and in a 6 way tie. Among the five are Sergio Garcia and Damien McGrane of Ireland. The cameras have been a consistent issue. On the 8th hole, Woods yelled at a professional photographer who took a shot during a backswing. Marshalls ejected a few fans for inappropriately taking photographs.

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