Dads and Golf Go Together Like Sand and the Gulf

If your dad is like mine, he loves golf and he loves the beach. These two factors practically scream “golf vacation in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach!”

So with Father’s Day just around the corner (June 16^th), you just might have a great gift idea for Dad here. Plan a golf trip for him, or plan one for yourself and bring Dad (and Mom, of course) along. It could even be a good opportunity for a little family reunion on the beach (beach houses and condos make great lodging for large groups…).

But best of all, he’ll get to play at any of nine signature Gulf Shores golf courses. Scenic and challenging—ideal for the golf-loving dad. And by planning a golf vacation package, not only can you pick and choose which golf courses to play, but you can also ensure you get the perfect accommodations to fit your needs. Stay right on the Gulf so when the golfing is done for the day, you can enjoy the area’s white-sand beaches.

There’s still plenty of time before Father’s Day. Stop over at the Golf Gulf Shores website and start planning that golf getaway for Dad!

Feels Like Spring…Why Not Plan a Spring Golf Getaway?

Maybe we’re in for it later this winter…but it just hasn’t been terribly cold lately. I was outside shorts and a t-shirt the other day and was perfectly comfortable.

I know we’re supposed to be getting ready for the holidays, but all this spring-like weather is making me think of spring-like activities—like golf, of course, and my yearly spring golf vacation in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach.

No, it’s not too early to plan a spring golf package, not with this inspiring weather—and the recent naming of Kiva Dunes as a Best Resort Course by Golfweek Magazine. If you missed this, basically, Golfweek has said that it will include the Gulf Shores golf course in its 2013 Best Resort Courses list. (And let’s not forget the courses’s previous honors, like being named Alabama’s #1 public golf course, again by Golfweek, this past spring.)

This is no shock to me. Gulf-front golf course, Jerry Pate design, beautiful landscaping—really, it’s a no-brainer. It’s also a no-brainer that Kiva Dunes will be on my list of must-play golf courses when I do plan my spring golf vacation. And the best part is this is just one of nine signature golf courses, so I have plenty of Gulf Coast golf courses to choose from.

Again, it’s not too early for a little spring preparation—just visit the Gulf Shores Golf Association website and start planning.

Who’s Up for a Fall Golf Vacation on the Gulf?

I was talking with a coworker the other day who was griping about missing his golf vacation this summer; the timing just didn’t work out with his wife between their work schedules and other events.

I told him I couldn’t understand why he was so upset. We’re coming into fall now, and fall is absolutely my favorite time of year not just for golf, but specifically for a golf vacation. All I have to do is head south to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach and I’m in heaven.

After all, autumn on the Gulf isn’t like other places. The weather is cooler, but comfortably so—still warm enough to enjoy a little swimming, a little Gulf Coast nature-exploring, maybe even a little deep-sea fishing. And of course, a lot of golf. (Nine signature golf courses provide plenty of options!)

It’s easy enough to plan a fall golf getaway, too, especially when using the Gulf Shores Golf Association website. You can browse the various accommodations (ranging from chain hotels to luxurious Gulf-front condos) as well as the Gulf Shores golf courses. Then click on “customized quote” under “Plan” to begin putting together a customized golf vacation package. Easy.

Really, there’s no excuse not to plan this fall vacation. My coworker can complain all he wants… I’m booking a vacation.

Keeping Cool on the Golf Course

Well, the hot weather seems to have officially rolled around again, which means keeping cool on the golf course will involve more than just deep breaths and restraint from throwing the golf club. Personally, I prefer the weather-related heat to the steam I feel when I can’t seem to avoid the dreaded golf shank. And thankfully, my favorite Gulf Shores golf courses have some excellent—and sometimes creative—ways for golfers to cool down on a hot day.

An old time favorite cool-down method of mine is a nice cold drink at the club bar after a solid round of 18 holes. Some of the clubs have really nice restaurants that are perfect for lunch or dinner with the golf buddies.

But often halfway through a round you’re already in need of a cool-down—how about trying a chilled apple? Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club and Rock Creek offer these at certain tees along their courses. It’s cold, refreshing, and a nice pick-me-up. They also deliver ice-cold towels to golfers.

And going a step further with the ice-cold towels is Cotton Creek at Craft Farms with their mango-scented ice-cold towels. It doesn’t get much cooler than that.

And, of course, you can return to your condo or hotel for a cooling dip in the pool. Be sure to visit the Gulf Shores Golf Association website for information on golf packages and accommodations.