Golf is an interesting sport. It’s active, but it’s relaxing. It makes a golf vacation a perfect balance between relaxation and action—whether you enjoy a toned-down, easy-going round of golf or a more active game with a competitive edge.
And if it’s more the active aspect that (paradoxically) contributes to your relaxation, a Gulf Shores & Orange Beach golf vacation is ideal. Plan a Gulf Shores Golf Association golf package with a group of friends and turn the vacation into a tournament—the competition will be fun and friendly.
In addition to golf, the area is full of activities to keep you busy. Take the group on a deep-sea fishing trip out on the Gulf—spend just a few hours or make it an overnight fishing trip. Or find a nature trail and check out the Gulf Coast nature scene—places like the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge and the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail are excellent places for hiking and biking.
And your Gulf Shores condo may provide plenty of activity itself. Several accommodations offer amenities like pools, tennis courts, basketball courts, and exercise rooms. Many also offer hot tubs and saunas—necessities after all this active relaxing.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Friday, February 10, 2012
Why Golfing on the Gulf is Ideal in February
Here’s why I love golfing this time of year: you can actually golf in the afternoon, something I personally can’t tolerate in the heat of summer. And golfing in the afternoon usually means paying afternoon (lower) rates.
Of course, ability to play golf in the afternoon (or any time of day) really depends on where you are. Obviously, if you’re in an area that’s actually experiencing winter, golf may be out of the question until spring. But in a place like Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, it is absolutely an ideal time for golf. And you’ll find some excellent afternoon golf rates among the area’s nine signature golf courses. Courses like Cotton Creek and Cypress Bend at Craft Farms and Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club currently offer an afternoon rate of $59; Rock Creek has an afternoon rate of $49, and Lost Key drops down to $40, to mention just a few.
And there’s an additional reason why February is a particularly good time for a Gulf Shores golf vacation—Mardi Gras! Several Mardi Gras parades and celebrations are coming up later this month. It’s a good time of year to play a little golf, catch some beads, and make the most of winter.
Of course, ability to play golf in the afternoon (or any time of day) really depends on where you are. Obviously, if you’re in an area that’s actually experiencing winter, golf may be out of the question until spring. But in a place like Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, it is absolutely an ideal time for golf. And you’ll find some excellent afternoon golf rates among the area’s nine signature golf courses. Courses like Cotton Creek and Cypress Bend at Craft Farms and Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club currently offer an afternoon rate of $59; Rock Creek has an afternoon rate of $49, and Lost Key drops down to $40, to mention just a few.
And there’s an additional reason why February is a particularly good time for a Gulf Shores golf vacation—Mardi Gras! Several Mardi Gras parades and celebrations are coming up later this month. It’s a good time of year to play a little golf, catch some beads, and make the most of winter.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
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.
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.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
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.
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.
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