Golf Course Directory

When you are planning a vacation, more often than not, you're not going just by yourself. Most of the time, you go with your family or friends. However, not all of them surely love golf or, at least, play golf.

Therefore, it is best to consider them when choosing the right golf destination. It would be inconsiderate if you are having the time of our life playing your favorite game on the lush green fields while your companion is just sitting in one corner, yawning and feeling pretty bored.

Golf resorts, generally, have many other things to offer aside from the golf courses that they are known for. These destinations also offer other recreational activities that a non-golfer would definitely enjoy. So, while you are putting the ball for a birdie, your companion is having an equally good time lounging by the pool under the sun or doing some shopping. In fact, you can also benefit from these amenities as you will not be playing golf all day long for sure. You may also want to spend the night with your family or friends and enjoy a sumptuous meal in a delightful restaurant within the resort. There are many golf resorts that have a lot more to offer than just golf. Some examples of these places are the Pinehurst, Miami Beach and Palm Springs golf resorts where you will find activities galore and plenty of attractions for non-golfers.

Golf Destinations for the Golfer

Now that you know what to consider in a golf resort other than the golf course, it is also best to think about what you, the golfer, would love seeing in a golf resort. Every golfer has a set of golf courses where he excels a lot, and he also has a list of those where he doesn't do so well. However, there are times when the golfer wants to breathe fresh air and try out new golf destinations. The problem with this is that most of the finest golf destinations only have a few courses and the options for the golfer are limited. Golfers accustomed with different types of courses have to adjust to the new environment which is quite a difficult task. There is one solution to this problem. You have to find out a golf course or a golf resort having a series of golf courses. Some of such golf resorts are Pinehurst, Daytona Beach, Myrtle Beach, Arizona golf course and Miami Beach golf courses; not far behind is the Palm Beach resort.

Choosing the Right Course

Once the destination is finalized, the next step should be choosing the golf course that would suit your needs. Some courses provide a lot of challenge for even an expert golfer like the Ocean Course in Kiawah that throws the challenge of putting against a high blowing adverse wind. Whereas some others nearby like the Osprey course are much friendlier and golfers coming from various destinations may find it a good fit compared to the challenging Ocean Course. This characteristic of challenging wind is more prominent in continental golf courses like Ballybunion and Troon, world famous golf courses by themselves.

The capability of the human body to adjust to the environment is amazing and yet it has got its own limitations. So, in playing golf you also have to take into consideration things like how much you can play and how much time you can devote for golf games alone. This will be one prime factor to decide your destination such that you have to decide whether to choose a golf course with just a few courses or a golf course with a number of alternative courses. Bald Head Island in North Carolina has only one, whereas only a half-hour drive will take you to the Myrtle Beach, SC which has got hundreds of courses. Such combination may also be a viable choice for a golfer who can trade choices as and when required in the midst of a golf destination travel. Once again, you can have information about many such combinations in the Golf Digest.

One factor remains regarding the price of using the golf course that can also limit your choice of courses. You also have to make sure to have a look at the terms and conditions for using a particular golf course. There might be clauses that you may not like. For example, some golf courses require you to bring a letter of introduction. And if you are in a group, just take care of those who have an inherent talent for complaining about almost everything.

Weather Considerations

Yes, you may hope for the best and yet be prepared for the worst. Sometimes the weather may spoil your entire trip to a golf destination. Whether torrential rain, or gusty wind, or unbearable heat, or even excessive cold, all these may have a bearing on your golfing aspirations. While traveling during summer in an English golfing zone may be a dream-come-true for a golfer as the night is too short with only 5 to 6 hours and the golfer gets a long day to play golf to his heart's content, the winter may be exactly the reverse. The climate in Hawaii and Caribbean islands are perhaps to the best liking to the golfers since they remain moderate over the years and at a temperate level of around 230 Celsius. Where the days are longer and climate is moderate and you can have as much as 34 to 36 holes of golf playing should be any golfer's dream destination.

So far as weather, beaches, climate, sunny days are concerned, the United States and its island groups are far ahead from the rest of the world. And when after playing golf you still get some extra time to indulge into other though secondary choice activities, this must be a huge bonus for a golf traveler. Many good guide books including those issued by the Tourism Department, both federal and of the states are available providing you all sorts of information about the golf resort and courses, the weather and climate throughout the year, apart from all other relevant information. For online information, you may try a number of websites or the Golf Digest website. You may also have a look at the Golf Course Directory for the purpose.

Playing Off Season

Many golf lovers like to travel in the off season since a sizeable discount is available at this time of the year. Prices go down in places like Florida due to heat and humidity in summer. But think twice whether this is desirable when you intend to have a golf vacation. A golfer may not have his best game during this desired dream vacation because of the weather adversely affecting his capabilities. During off season, when the weather is pretty unpredictable, you may lose your entire game and your golf travel may end up as an undesirable journey.

So We Go

You need not do all the planning for your dream golf vacation. There are different golf packages available through travel agencies that you can choose from; some will even let you customize your own trip depending on your preference but not too much. However, if you are really in for some adventure and would like to get your hands dirty, then you can make all the planning on your own. Either way, you always have tons of resources such as a golf course directory where you can find plenty of information on the different golf courses in the world. Being the avid golfer that you are, you shouldn't miss the Golf Digest as it is great resource to find loads of information on where you can spend your dream golf vacation.

Tee Off at the Best golf Resorts in America
Never heard of it? "Underrated" Golf Resorts Surprise and Please
Your Private Ball and Chain: Traveling with Golf Clubs
You Can Get There From Here: Fly-In Golf Resorts
Good Planning Means a Good Golf Vacation
Hone Your Game at a Resort Golf School