Destinations
Golf & Travel
- Golf Resorts
- Golf Fashion
- Golf & Travel Gear
- Equipment
- Packages & Tours
- Golf Schools
- About Us
- Advertise
- Contact Us
- Feedback
- Just One
Golf FaGGolf
Luxury of Golf I still recall the first time I drove my own car, with my clubs in the trunk to the course, noticing every light pole I use to walk by with my clubs hanging from my shoulder. Our luxuries change with time … maybe just having the time to travel and play this wonderful game is the greatest luxury of all.
My first Scottish caddie was a character named Mac, his face looked like a half chewed Carmel with a cigarette dangling from the middle but he was mine and we were a team as we walked the historic fairways of Turnberry. I didn’t think life could ever get better than that day with Mac. But our luxuries change as we do. For years I only stayed at the Resorts Suites in Scottsdale, great place friendly people but my secret reason for staying there was the 4 warm and bubbling Jacuzzis I needed for my achy back in the morning and after golf… Perfect.
You may have your own favorite luxury ... my current favorite is a massage. Last month at the Phoenician in Scottsdale I enjoyed several of these soul-stroking services at their Center for Well-Being. I asked my Masseuse Valerie Corbin, which is better: a massage before or after golf? “Why not both?” she replied. You’ve got to love a lady like that.
The travel luxuries just keep getting better and better, if you have any suggestions let me know? I can’t wait for the next stage. •BG•
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Warning to Ireland Tourism
I recently returned from a glorious golf vacation in north/west coast of Ireland arranged by North & West Coast Links. My buddies and I had an easy six hour flight from JFK. I never thought I would use the words Chic and Dublin in the same sentence, but that is how I found it. Sophisticated, modern and yes, a true melting pot of cultures. We played 6 wonderful courses including Ballyliffin Golf Club, Carne and Ennicrone on a brisk and windy day. Perfect.
My experience is no different than the thousands of golfers who visit Ireland every year. It’s always about the people who touch us and make us tell stories and want to return. But, I have a warning for Ireland Tourism. Listen up.
With your building boom come people from all over the world looking for work. And one day in the near future a group of golfers will snuggle up to the bar and be greeted by: “Hi, I’m Susie what can I get you to drink?” Susie will be wearing a low cut tight sweater with a name tag. She is from Kansas City, big smile and bigger blond hair. She came with her boyfriend who is in the construction business.
I’m sure Susie is a nice kid, but when I come to Ireland and stop in a local pub, I want Paddy or Shawn to draw me a Guinness. I don’t want Susie from K.C. Yes, I understand growth, and I understand that sometimes parents wish their children would never change. But I know in my heart that Susie from K.C. is just not right for Ireland Tourism. •bg• E-Mail Us
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Lighten Up: Solving Luggage Problems
. >> More Ever hear of laundry? I recently returned from a golf trip to Miami. I was traveling with a good friend who lugged a bag that in no way, would fit into the overhead, so it was checked. Then there was a backpack and the clubs jammed into the travel bag with extra sweaters, towels and who knows what. When we picked up our car, the luggage wouldn’t all fit in the trunk of the rental car (a compact we booked to save money).
Let me suggest a modest sized piece of luggage and your golf club travel bag. Pack one pair of golf shoes, pair of sneakers, one other pair of shoes, three pairs of socks and underwear, three shirts, one pair of dress pants, a couple pairs of shorts, two slacks and accessories. If the stuff you want to take won’t fit into your bag, leave it home. If everyone did this, there would be half the bags and the wait for luggage on the carousel wouldn’t be so long. •kd•
What packing & luggage tips do you want to share? E-Mail Us
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Ah, the life of a Spa Junkie
I admit it. I’ve become a spa junkie, but though many spas today are offering sports and even golf massages that are supposed to do great things for your body, I’m not convinced they work any better than the treatments promising dessert rather than hard labor. After holing out on JW Marriott Camelback Inn’s Arthur Hill-designed course in Scottsdale I checked out Camelback’s spa menu. Among the treatments, one-on-one sessions in assisted stretching to help lower back and abs
But for me there was no question: Camelback’s 60-minute Signature Massage Treatment combining aromatherapy, hot and cold stone massage and reflexology and ah yes, the detoxifying benefits of castor oil, all conspiring to bring body, mind, and spirit into balance sounded much more enticing. I’m not sure I have ever been in balance and I don’t think any massage will do it, but I loved the idea of giving it a try — you know, the thing about the journey being more important than the destination. Still it’s good to know resort spas are starting to add sports and golf treatments to their lineup. Men should love them.
Thursday December 14, 2006 | permalink | comments (0)
Airport rental cars, a nightmare or a breeze
Recently I flew to Arizona for a golf outing. I was traveling alone, dragging my bags and just barely able to handle it all without help. But I was making it. I like that. After arriving at the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, I knew the rental car site was at least a ten minute ride from the terminals. I dreaded the thought of having to get my bags from the carousel to the rental car shuttle then to the rental counter and from there to the pick-up place. Seemed like a hernia-maker to me.
But I’m happy to report, this airport has its act together. From the carousel, luggage carts were just steps away, so I could pile up my stuff, wheel them to the curb where a shuttle was waiting. The driver put my bags on the shuttle with a smile then carried them off as well. Another cart was at the curb allowing me to transport everything effortlessly to the counter and from there to the place where I picked up the car. Now if only other airports could coordinate their services so well. Don’t even think of changing planes in Toronto. But hats off to Phoenix. •kd•
What spa treatments have you enjoyed recently? E-Mail Us
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Where will we be golfing in 2010?
Maybe Cuba or Dubai
This is a great time of the year to let your mind wander to new & exotic golf destinations, places you have never been but would love to play in 2007. What if we look in the crystal ball and imagine where we might be making putts in 2010.
Dubai? Now there’s an idea. Tiger will be designing his first golf course there, part of a major project called Dubailand, which will include a luxury clubhouse and residential and retail development. Dubai one of the seven emirates which make up the United Arab Emirates, has been called the world’s largest construction site with new hotels and tourism activities starting everyday. Tiger’s course is expected to open in 2010. As soon as they have an on-line tee time service, I plan on booking it.
Cuba? This is a little different story. Once they get the political mess solved, we, like the Canadians and Germans could be enjoying this sun filled island but it may take a while before we get there and can tee up at Havana Golf Club or Varadero Golf Club. Our crystal ball is showing some loosening on travel restrictions and trade that will mean developers can start building world class resorts and golf courses. Watch out Miami.
Whether it’s the start of a new career for Tiger or the end of long career for Fidel, the world is constantly changing and the world of golf travel is never far behind. I can’t wait for tomorrow. Where do you think we'll be golfing in the future? •bg• E-Mail Us
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••