The Gulf Shores Golf Association Mobile Site Makes Planning Easy

Let’s say you’re out to lunch with your boss one day and he mentions how he and his wife are looking for a good vacation location. What do you do?

First, you recommend Gulf Shores & Orange Beach because you know it’s an all-around awesome vacation destination. Then—because you know he and his wife are avid golfers—you direct him to the Golf Gulf Shores website, because you know he’ll find good information and ways to plan a golf vacation there.

But to really drive the point home (and make yourself look good), you pull out your phone and bring up the Golf Gulf Shores mobile site. Now he can explore the nine signature golf courses, Gulf-front accommodations, restaurants, and maps relating to all of this for himself. He can even get a custom quote on a golf package and book a tee time if he wants.

Or, if this scenario never comes up, you can check out the mobile site yourself—it’s convenient planning while on the go. And convenience is key to a relaxing vacation, right?

Make that first step as easy as possible, and get your golf vacation started off right.

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.

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.

How Much Gulf Shores Golf Could You Play in One Day?

I know spring has fully arrived when all I want to do is play golf—and seriously, all I want to do is play golf. All day. I played a round last weekend with a couple friends, and felt so invigorated by the end (though still fairly tired) that I could’ve played another round. But the “real world” demanded I return, leaving me no time for another round.

So I’ll just have to hit the Gulf Shores Golf Association website and book a golf vacation. Here’s the beauty of the GSGA website: it makes it so easy to put together a Gulf Shores & Orange Beach golf package, and you can even plan ahead for a double round of golf—or even unlimited golf!

The later I’ve never actually tried, but I think the next golf trip will have to include at least one day of unlimited golf. I would love to see just how much golf I could play at a given course in one day—golf in the morning, a little after-lunch golf, and since the days stay lighter longer this time of year, I could probably squeeze in some early-evening golf.

I’d love to spend an entire day on the course—it would be the ultimate golf getaway!

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.

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.

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.

The Advantages of Group Golf Trips

Sometimes golf is best played alone—like at the end of a bad week when you just need to blow off some steam. Some of my best therapeutic moments have been spent alone on the golf course; some seemingly impossible Monday mornings have been made easier thanks to weekends of solo golf.

But it’s also an excellent group activity, and I’ve had plenty of these experiences too. Ironically, while my job has been the cause of many much-needed solo golf outings, corporate golf outings with people from this same job have resulted in some of the most relaxing and fun experiences on the golf course (and have done much to help ease tensions at work).

Family golf vacations are also fun and a good way to visit with family members you might not get to see very often. I’ve been to several family reunions in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, and golf is always a popular group activity. Buddy trips are another favorite. A few friends, a weekend on the Gulf, and several rounds of golf—you don’t need much more than that.

Whatever type of group golf outing you’re planning, I highly recommend visiting the Gulf Shores Golf Association website, which makes it easy to create a customized group golf package. Just look under “Plan” on the home page, and start planning.

Cooler Weather and (Possibly) a Free Golf Vacation

Had a nice taste of cooler weather this past week, and now I have one thing on my mind: fall golf. There’s nothing better—trading in the shorts for a new pair of stylish golf pants, playing the green on a cool, crisp morning, winning a free golf vacation package worth up to $4,000….

Yes, that last one is a possibility. If you’re planning a fall golf vacation—sometime between now and November 7th, 2011—all you have to do is book with a Gulf Shores Golf Association accommodations partner and you’re automatically entered into a drawing, which will take place on November 15th. The winner receives up to $4,000 in a rebate on his or her golf package.

So when I win this drawing (positive thinking!) I can then put my winnings toward my spring trip to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach. And if I don’t win, I still get to enjoy my fall golf getaway that I’ve budgeted for anyway. It’s a win-win situation. Count me in!

What to Do When Golf Isn’t an Option

I learned recently that no matter how well and how far in advance you plan, there’s one factor that can throw a wrench in a golf vacation: the weather. As easy as it was for my buddies and me to plan our golf trip (and the Gulf Shores Golf Association website really does make it easy to put together a golf package), it was just as easy for two days of rain to keep us from two days of golf.

Hey, it happens. The good thing was we were in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach—there were plenty of things to keep us busy during those two rainy days. One of my friends is into art, so we decided to do the museum thing one day. We checked out a few area art museums and galleries, of course, but my favorites were the historic ones—the area has such a rich and fascinating history.

Eating and shopping are good ways to spend rainy days, too, and there are plenty of good choices for either activity. And your condo or hotel will most likely have amenities. Ours had both an indoor pool and an indoor tennis court—we ended up having quite the competitive tennis match one afternoon.

I felt good knowing that our time was nowhere near wasted during those couple days of rain. But we were all glad to finally play golf—the rest of the week was perfect golf weather. I love the Gulf!

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.

May Golf Tournaments and Fundraising

Seems like the theme for May golf is “May I help?” Golfers in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach will get three opportunities in the first couple of weeks in May to both participate in a golf competition and help raise money for good causes.

The first is this Sunday, May 1st, at the Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club. The 18 Holes for Ecuador Golf Tournament and Fundraiser is intended to help a group of student missionaries traveling to Ecuador in June. Their goal is to raise $23,000 to help build a daycare that will provide safety, medical and dental care, and food for children of working parents; the money will also help with travel, housing, and food for the missionaries.

Next is the 12th Annual Benefit Golf Outing for Habitat for Humanity at Craft Farms Cotton Creek on May 6th. Besides contributing to the building of safe and affordable housing for low-income families, you’ll have the fun of competing for prizes for low gross, low net, closest to the pin, and longest drive.

Then on May 13th and 14th is the First Annual Alabama Gulf Coast Christian Academy Golf Tournament at Cypress Bend. On Friday, May 13th is dinner with Nancy Lopez at the Magnolia Court Restaurant. In addition to the tournament, which benefits the Alabama Gulf Coast Christian Academy, golfers also get a continental breakfast, hitting exhibition, golf clinic, and box lunches.

Get that feel-good feeling of being charitable while doing something you enjoy! More information about these tournaments is available on the Gulf Shores Golf Association website.

The Usefulness of the Internet

Years ago, before any of us had ever heard of the internet, I remember one of my school teachers saying how one day we would be able to do pretty much everything on a computer: go shopping, do research, communicate with other people. I also remember thinking how futuristic it all sounded—and feeling apprehensive at the thought of our lives being so reliant on a computer.

Yet here I sit today, my life on the internet. As uneasy as I may have felt at one time about an online existence, it’s hard to feel too bad about it when I’ve just booked a Gulf Shores golf vacation package with just a few strokes of the keyboard.

The Gulf Shores Golf Association’s website just makes it so easy. First, the site offers an interactive planner that lets you click through to find information on golf courses, lodging, dining, and maps. If you’re interested in a golf package, the website has a sample package rates page—a list of several accommodations and their golf package rates—as well as a page where you can get a customized quote on a golf vacation package based on your specific needs. If you’ve already booked your vacation and are just looking for a place to play golf, you can click on the golf-only tee times link on the homepage, which allows you to search for available tee times according to golf course, day, time of day, and number of golfers.

Now, with the help of my computer, I get to enjoy several rounds of golf on the Gulf—out in the real world.

Physical Activity

One main reason I enjoy golf is I love being outside. I would much rather sit staring at the sky from my back porch than sit staring at the television in my living room. And more than either of these, I would prefer to be doing something active while outside (although staring at the sky is often a relaxing alternative).

This is what makes the Alabama Gulf Coast ideal for people like myself. Not only is the golf excellent—you can hardly beat nine scenic, challenging signature golf courses—but the opportunities for outdoor activities abound. Swimming in the Gulf, walking the beach, and hiking/biking a nature trail supplement a golf vacation nicely. Fishing is another popular option that also works well during a group golf trip—hit the greens one day and fish the Gulf the next.

I also enjoy staying at a condo or hotel with amenities like pools and tennis courts, and there are plenty of these types of accommodations in the area. Visit the Gulf Shores Golf Association website to learn more about area lodging options.

Choosing a Golf Course

When you visit an area like the Alabama Gulf Coast that has several options for great golf, deciding where to play can take some thought. Of course, this is a good challenge to face—I’ve been places where the options were few and not nearly as appealing.

The different golf courses have various characteristics that may help break down your decision. For instance, if design is important to you, you might like the fact that Cotton Creek and Cypress Bend at Craft Farms as well as the Lost Key course are Arnold Palmer designs, and other courses were designed by greats such as Bruce Devlin, Jerry Pate, Earl Stone and Robert Von Hagge.

Many of the courses have unique characteristics that make them appealing, such as the scenic marshland hazards at Rock Creek, chilled apples at the first tee of all 3 nines at Peninsula, and the mango-scented ice-cold towels at Cotton Creek.

Or perhaps ratings play an important part in the decision. Golf Digest has ranked Kiva Dunes as one of “America’s Top 100 Public Courses” and rated Cypress Bend as 4.5 stars.

Book a golf vacation package and play as many of the courses as you want. Check out the Gulf Shores Golf Association website for more information.

Where to Stay?

Deciding which golf courses to play when visiting the Alabama Gulf Coast is only half the fun. Figuring out where to stay adds a whole new level to the planning process.

Whether you want a luxury condo, a private beachside house, or a simple hotel room, there are plenty of great lodging options in the area. Maybe it’s a buddies trip or a family vacation, and a beach house would be most accommodating. Or maybe it’s a getaway with a significant other, and a romantic beach-front condo is your preferred option.

You may also want to consider which courses you plan to play while in the area, and where they are in relation to where you’re staying. A customized golf package can help simplify your plans. Click here for information on getting a customized quote.