What Matters Most When Planning a Golf Vacation?

It’s funny what different people consider important when planning a vacation. A colleague of mine is making his first trip to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach this spring and approached me for some advice on selecting golf courses. I was all prepared to discuss the various qualities of the area’s nine signature golf courses (and the benefits of booking a golf package), and the first thing he asks is which course’s clubhouse restaurant has the best burger.

And of course this was not the only issue he was considering. But he’s a very routine-oriented individual, and apparently after every round of golf, he likes to enjoy a burger—“a very good burger,” in his words.

I guess we all have our priorities when it comes to planning the golf getaway. I myself like to know a range of rates (both golf and lodging) and if there are any events planned during my stay, like a golf tournament or clinic. It’s easy enough to find out both using the Gulf Shores Golf Association website—the “Customized Quote” and “Sample Rates” pages (both under “Plan”) can give a good idea of cost, while “News & Events” (under “Explore”) often lists upcoming golf (and other) events. Plus you can read up on the different golf courses and accommodations options and make as informed a decision as possible on where to play and where to stay.

But the only way to really know your preference—of either golf course or food—is to get down there and try it out.

Play Golf, Relax, or Get Active—The Choice is Yours

Every golfer has played that hole where a body of water, or thick foliage, or some other obstacle stands between you and the green at such a distance that you have a couple ways you could play it: lay-up and ensure the ball gets over on the next shot, or give it all you’ve got and drive the ball over that water in one swing.

A golf vacation in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach is very similar in that there a couple ways to play it. You could keep it very simple—golf and relaxation. A round of golf in the morning followed by an afternoon of relaxing on the beach, by the pool, in a hot tub, at a spa…the possibilities are many.

Or you might want to squeeze in as much activity as possible by checking out some of the local events. This is where I recommend visiting the Gulf Shores Golf Association’s “News & Events” page (under “Explore” on the website). Here you’ll find information on things like upcoming golf tournaments as well as non-golf-related events. Right now, for example, we’re approaching Mardi Gras, and several Mardi Gras parades are planned for next month. And then there’s the Under Armour Senior Bowl scheduled for January 28th—watch the country’s best collegiate and NFL football stars in live action during this nationally televised football game.

How you decide to play it is up to you—just be sure to play.

Don’t Just Dream of a Golf Vacation—Plan One!

I admit, I was dreaming of a white Christmas last week—it’s the one time of year that I actually long for cold weather—but now I’m back to dreaming of sunshine and warmth. And if I were to head down to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach right now, my dream may actually come true. They’re looking at some warm weather the next couple of days, with highs around 70 degrees.

That is simply perfect golf weather, and tempting enough that I’m thinking of calling in sick to work and squeezing in a quick trip to the Gulf. The weather certainly is one enticing reason to visit Gulf Shores & Orange Beach this winter, but it’s not the only reason.

For instance, several Gulf Shores Golf Association golf courses are offering winter rates—there are some excellent deals on golf packages to be found at places like Craft Farms and Gulf Shores Golf Club. And golfers looking to improve their skills might want to attend one of the winter golf clinics being offered at Kiva Dunes every Tuesday and Thursday through January and February. It could be a good way to brush up on those golf skills before spring.

It’s easy enough to plan a golf getaway—just visit the Gulf Shores Golf Association website to start putting together that winter golf vacation.

The New Year is Almost Here, Plan for Spring Golf

Here’s what’s I love about Gulf Shores & Orange Beach: it’s the perfect place to escape to when the weather gets cold, and it provides something to look forward to for when the weather turns warm again.

Next year is only a little more than two weeks away—before we know it, the excitement of the holidays and New Year celebrations will be over, and we’ll be left with an entire winter season to drudge through. To me, this marks the perfect time to start planning the spring golf getaway.

And the Gulf Shores Golf Association website is an excellent place to begin this process. You can browse the nine signature golf courses and variety of accommodations in the area to determine where to play and where to stay, and you can even view sample rates and get a customized quote on a golf vacation package. I’ve also found that the many pictures of the golf courses help me think warm thoughts on cold days.

In the meantime, if you just can’t wait until spring, a winter golf getaway may be in order. “Cold” on the Gulf is quite mild compared to areas further north and makes for some very comfortable golf conditions.

Burn Off that Turkey Dinner with Golf

I always mislead myself after Thanksgiving—now that the big meal is over (and the leftovers are eaten) I can get back to a sensible diet and start shedding some holiday pounds. Right?

Not exactly. Now come the home-baked cookies brought in to work by coworkers, and my Mom’s fudge, and the various Christmas treats that catch my eye every time I enter the grocery store. The holiday calorie fest is anything but over.

My solution: play more golf. True, golf isn’t exactly an aerobic activity, especially with the convenience of golf carts. But it’s activity. And it’s outside, which can motivate you to do more activity outside. And there are ways to make it a little more aerobic—I know a lady who would bring her non-golfer husband along and have him drive the cart while she walked to each ball.

If you’re playing golf in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, it’s all the better. Nine signature golf courses provide an abundance of appealing options for golf. Play from the championship tees and you’ll get a course length longer than 7,000 yards at several courses, such as Cotton Creek, Kiva Dunes, Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club, and TimberCreek—that’s a good bit of walking using the above-mentioned method! Plus, the weather this time of year is comfortably mild and perfect for golf—and for staving off that extra holiday weight gain.

How to Give the Gift of Golf

It’s that time of year again: time to think of the perfect gift for everybody in your contacts list (or the most important ones, anyway). I struggle with this every year—I like for my friends and family to actually enjoy what I get them, not just receive the obligatory I-had-to-get-you-something-so-this-is-what-I-picked gift.

The decision is easy when the person has a strong interest in something—such as golf! If there’s one thing a golfer can’t get enough of, it is (of course) golf. Buy a round of golf at his favorite golf course, or surprise the recipient with a round at a course he’s never played. For new golfers or those simply looking to improve, golf lessons would also make a nice gift.

And if you really want to wow your golfer, you might consider giving a golf vacation package. The Gulf Shores Golf Association website makes the process of booking a golf vacation in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach very easy. You can also check out the area’s nine signature golf courses (several of which offer golf lessons and gift cards) to help you decide which courses your friend/family member/significant other might enjoy most.

I’ll be golfing in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach next spring and could really use some golf lessons (hint-hint to those who know me). Just saying.

Cold Weather has Arrived—Time to Plan the Spring Golf Trip

Found out over the weekend that my neighbor is planning a first-time trip to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach in the spring. By planning, I mean he wants to go—this coming spring—but he doesn’t know anything about the area other than what I’ve told him.

So of course he’s now “planning” a golf vacation. Really, that was the first topic of discussion when he told me he wanted to plan a Gulf vacation: the nine signature golf courses in and around Gulf Shores & Orange Beach and how awesome they are. As far as where he should stay, I told him it really depends on what his plans are.

If he wants to keep things pretty simple (just himself, just a quick weekend trip, etc.), a hotel might be the way to go. If he’s going solo for a longer vacation, a one-bedroom condo is another option—all the comforts of home suited to one person. Or maybe he wants to take my suggestion and make it a buddies golf trip, in which case he should go with a multi-room condo or even a beach house. I’m pushing for a Gulf-front beach house with a group of friends (myself included, given all the excellent advice I’ve offered).

Whatever he decides, he’ll have lots of options—everything from “chain” hotels to luxury condos. And no, it’s not too early to plan for spring—it’s the best way to tolerate the dreary cold of winter.