Book Golf-Only Tee Times in Gulf Shores

I know from experience—lots and lots of experience—that the best way to play golf on the Gulf Coast is to book a golf vacation package. You get your lodging and your choice of golf courses all in one packaged deal. Easy and done.

But apparently not everyone knows this, as I discovered after talking to a coworker recently. It’s still not clear to me if he intended to book a golf package and didn’t know how, or if he just planned a Gulf Coast vacation and then decided he wanted to play golf while there. Either way, he has a spring trip to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach planned and really wants to play golf while there.

Lucky for him, the Gulf Shores Golf Association website makes booking tee times as easy as booking an actual golf vacation. All you have to do is click on “golf-only teetimes” on the Golf Gulf Shores website, select the course you want to play, and fill out the tee time information. The web page even includes overview information, photos, videos, and rates for each of the nine signature golf courses—it’s convenience at its best.

Of course, if you really want convenient, start the entire vacation planning process by visiting the association’s “Customized Quote” web page—book your Gulf Shores accommodations and golf courses all together under one price. Start planning for spring, or take a break from winter now by escaping to the mild temperatures of the Gulf Coast.

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.

Christmas is a Good Time to Think Golf on the Gulf

Now that Thanksgiving is over, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas—and I’m beginning to think a lot about golf these days. There are a couple reasons for this.

First of all, I’m having a hard time coming up with gift ideas for a couple relatives…but because they are avid golfers, I think they would really enjoy playing golf in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach. So I’m thinking that a good gift would be a Gulf Shores golf vacation package, or perhaps a gift card they could apply toward a golf vacation.

Second, I want this gift for myself. It is, in my opinion, the best gift one could receive (or give!). Think of it: not only would you get to play golf at your choice of nine signature golf courses, you’d also get to stay in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach accommodations (whether a local hotel or a luxurious beach-side condo), enjoy the amenities, and explore the various sites and attractions that the area has to offer.

So yes, I am definitely pushing for this gift this season.

Finally, this is just a great time of year for golfing on the Gulf Coast—mild weather and lots of festivities, like Bellingrath’s Magic Christmas in Lights, and the Christmas Lighted Boat Parade on December 8th. I just might have to plan a pre-Christmas weekend golf getaway for the very near future. Time to visit the Gulf Shores Golf Association website!

Check Out the Gulf Shores Golf Association Mobile Site

I admit, I’m a little bit anti-technology. I normally despise when you’re sitting there with someone and they feel the constant need to whip out their phone and correspond with every person they’ve ever met in their life. But…

I finally joined the 21st Century recently and bought myself an iPhone, and I can see how it would be so easy to develop that constantly-connected addiction. And although I’m trying really hard not to fall into that trap, I failed miserably the other day during a lunch outing with some friends, who happen to also be some of my best golf buddies and who happened to decide that we were long overdue for a golf trip.

Suddenly we all had our phones out, and the Golf Gulf Shores mobile site was our best friend. We were all on the site, checking out Gulf Shores & Orange Beach accommodations and deals, browsing golf courses and voicing our opinions on which ones would be best to play during a spring golf vacation (as it was quickly decided that spring is when we should plan for).

And I can totally see being down there this spring, iPhone in hand, looking at maps and descriptions of restaurants in the area as a way to decide where to eat after our round of golf is finished. It’s a handy little tool, that mobile site, and it would be especially useful if you’ve never been to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach and you’re looking for fast information on restaurants, lodging, golf courses, and the location of it all.

As for myself, I think I’ve just discovered a whole new world. Excuse me while I go check it out on my phone.

The Thrill of Planning a Golf Vacation on the Gulf

There’s no denying it: the first time you plan that golf getaway to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, it’s exciting. You don’t know yet what the experience will be like, but you have heard that it’s amazing. So of course you can’t wait to get down there. And most likely, the actual experience is well worth the anticipation.

But as exciting as that first visit is, I think that it’s the repeat visit that’s even more thrilling. In fact, it’s been my experience that the fun of planning a Gulf Shores & Orange Beach golf vacation is heightened with each experience—because now I do know what to expect. I know, of course, which golf courses I like best, which aids the planning process.

I also have established accommodations preferences now—and we all know how accommodations can make or break a vacation. I know which Gulf-front condos and beach houses I like best, and which Gulf Shores hotels are best for weekend getaways. I know that a multi-bedroom beach-front condo works best (with my group, anyway) when spending a few days and a few rounds of golf on the Gulf with a small group of friends, but a beach house with space and privacy is ideal when spending a week at the beach with the family.

And knowing all of this ahead of time sure does take out any anxiety about whether or not I’ll be disappointed! Honestly, I’ve never had a bad vacation experience in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach. The area has so many accommodations choices—just visit the Gulf Shores Golf Association website to see what I mean (and to start putting together that golf vacation package!).

Gulf Coast Festivals and Golf—It’s All Possible in October

October just might be my favorite month for a golf vacation in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach. The weather is a major draw, of course—absolutely ideal for some Gulf Coast golf.

But there’s also so much going on in October. And as much as I love golf, I won’t be playing from sun-up to sun-down (believe me, though, I have considered it). I like to have other things to do, other places to go…like maybe Fort Morgan during the upcoming Fall Bird Banding Session. I could start the day observing and learning about Coastal migratory birds, then finish up the afternoon with a round of golf.

There are also a couple festivals coming up that have caught my eye, partly just because they are festivals in the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach area, and partly because they involve food (always a wonderful complement to golf). The first is the 41st Annual National Shrimp Festival, taking place October 11th to the 14th. If you’ve never attended this event, I highly recommend it—continuous live music from two different stages, fine arts and crafts to browse and buy, and lots of delicious shrimp and other seafood (and non-seafood). There’s also a Children’s Activity Village, making it a fun event for the kiddos, too, so bring the entire family down for an October golf vacation.

The other is the Original German Sausage Festival in Elberta, scheduled for October 27th. This is a good one if you love sausage and are looking for “the best German sausage you have ever tasted.” Plus you’ll find more arts and crafts and live music, carnival rides, and a Bier Garten.

Beer, sausage, and golf—sounds like a heavenly vacation trio to me. Just visit the Gulf Shores Golf Association website for more information on Gulf Shores & Orange Beach events and planning a golf getaway.

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.