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.

Golf Courses in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach—Which Is the Best?

So Kiva Dunes was ranked number 3 according to GOLF Magazine’s state-by-state public access courses in America. I have to disagree with them—it’s number 1 in my book. A beach-front layout on the Gulf Coast, the beauty and challenge presented by the course…it’s just hard to beat that!

But here’s what I love about golf in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach: nine signature golf courses to choose from, each with its own special qualities. Like the mango-scented, ice-cold towels offered by Cotton Creek at Craft Farms, and the chilled apples at Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club—both are really nice features when playing golf on a hot summer day! And the marshland hazards at Rock Creek Golf Club in Fairhope offer a unique scenic quality that I just love.

Plus, Kiva Dunes isn’t the only Gulf Shores & Orange Beach golf course to win accolades and high ratings. Cotton Creek and Cypress Bend at Craft Farms, Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club, and Rock Creek Golf Club have each received a four and a half star rating by Golf Digest. And most of the courses were designed by golf greats like Earl Stone, Arnold Palmer, and Jerry Pate.

I’ve played all of these courses, and looking back at all of them, I’m actually not sure which I would rank as number 1. Think I better book a Gulf Shores golf vacation so I can re-assess.

August Brings Golf and Concerts in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

What if you could play golf in the morning, walk the beach and swim in the Gulf in the afternoon, and attend a concert in the evening? Book an August golf vacation in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach and you’ll have plenty of chances to do just that. Several music events are scheduled for August, so it’s a good month to make a great vacation out of golf and music.

On August 6th, Kelly Clarkson and The Fray, with special guest Carolina Liar, are playing at The Wharf Amphitheater. Then on August 17th is Jason Mraz with special guest Christina Perri, also at The Wharf Amphitheater. Later in the month, on August 25th, you can catch Lynyrd Skynyrd with special guests Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Drake White. All three concerts are sure to be amazing ways to end an already great day of Gulf Coast golf!

And let’s not forget about the SEC BeachFest taking place August 23rd to 26th. Not only will there be live concerts at Gulf Shores Public Beach, but you’ll also get to see past and present SEC coaches and players, ESPN commentators, a fashion show, and a golf tournament. Or maybe you’re planning to play in the SEC BeachFest Alumni Golf Scramble—in which case you might want to visit the Gulf Shores Golf Association website for information on winning free entry to the event. Just click on “News & Events” under the “Explore” tab.

August is going to be a hot month in more ways than one on the Gulf—be there!