Archive for the 'Golf Packages' Category

On This Fabulous Golf Cruise To Asia

Crystal Cruises has just made one of my biggest golf fantasy's possible. How? By offering an exclusive, 11-day, Golf Themed cruise itinerary to Asia on one of the most luxurious cruise ships ever built – the Crystal Symphony, a 50,000 ton, 922 guest, six-star beauty. Golfers never had it so good!

I love Asia but have not had the opportunity to travel there since the late sixties. I would dearly love to remedy that and have mounted a campaign to accompany this special journey into the heart of Asia, Hong Kong to Singapore, departing April 20, 2009. It promises to be the (golf) trip of a lifetime – and from my perspective, especially meaningful. I would marvel at all the changes and appreciate (as an avid golfer) how the orient has embraced the game of golf – but that's not the half of it! (more…)

Is An Invitation To Dine At The Royal & Ancient Clubhouse in St. Andrews, Scotland

There is an aura and presence about the Royal & Ancient Clubhouse, just behind and to the right of the first tee of the Old Course (as a former alter boy I had to restrain myself from genuflecting upon seeing it for the first time). The way to get in is find a member, show him you can play (quickly), buy him a pint and hope for an invitation to dine there. Bring your navy blazer and club tie! The Old Course at St. Andrews provides the background for this once in a lifetime golf experience.

Finding A Professional Golf Vacation Company You Can Trust Is Like Money In The Bank

Why spend a lot of hours of your own time researching travel on the web just to find what you think is a good deal but really have no way of knowing for sure? Find a good enough travel professional and they will not only make comparisons for you but will also have inside information that you never would have found on your own. This information saves you both time and money.Think of your own business, your own customer It is well known among cruise vendors, tour operators, hotels, resorts, golf courses, major airlines and others in the business of travel that Arizona Trails is a major player in the travel industry. And believe me, my fellow traveling golfers, it is a huge favor I do for you by sharing my secret to booking a successful golf package – risking my reputation – and naming names – but only doing so in the interests of golfers and travelers who want things done right by people who know their destinations first-hand. Talk to the professionals at Arizona Trails. I guarantee you that you will be 100% satisfied with their fast and friendly service – the only company that I am confident will exceed your expectations when it comes to your vacation. You will want to tell your friends about them and that's the best testimonial there is. (more…)

Broaden Your Search For Golf Destinations

How many times over the years did I answer the international golf "hotline" at John Jacobs Travel where a foursome was inquiring about golf in Scotland? They wanted our help in planning a trip to Scotland to play the "name" courses, The Old Course At St. Andrews topping their wish list. After all isn't a visit to that hallowed ground on every golfer's must play list? But for every course as famous as St. Andrews there are 50 others almost as good – at half the price.

The Quest To Find A Scotland Golf Packager With Connections

Back when I started out in arranging international golf tours there were no computers with complex reservation systems, no email confirmations and no Links Trust, St. Andrews to administer tee times (what other course in the world has a lottery to determine who can play it?) We did everything with a phone and fax machine and I was always worried something would go wrong. (Isn't it said that Mr. Murphy carries a 0 handicap?) So, being the lazy and cheap person that I am I decided not to try and re-create the wheel by attempting to negotiate my own agreements in Scotland for accommodations and golf via long-distance telephone. I needed an experienced outfit stateside and set out to find one. (more…)

When is Golf Like A Valuable Gem?

When It's considered by golfers to be a "Diamond In The Rough" – meaning a real "gem" of a course but with an unknown name to most golfers. On my trips overseas in search of great courses to play, I would search for Golf's "Hidden Gems" not the famous names we all recognize. I quickly learned that, especially among the Scots, Irish, and British, is that – (and this doesn't apply to you and me, it's those other guys who are giving us a bad name). If you act like an "Ugly" American, you will be treated like one. And if you carry that behavior to the golf course you may find yourself playing in a "one-ball." Golf in these countries is looked at much differently by their golf enthusiasts. It is a game that is used for recreation but also to teach valuable lessons in life, honesty and character are valued and not to be taken lightly. They take their golf seriously and are appalled at the sluggishness of the American golfer. Six hour rounds! Good Heavens, old sot, that will never do!

Just What Is An Ugly American Golfer

Get a Golf Game With The Locals

The last thing I want to do while traveling in search of a Golftrekker kind of course – is pair up with American golfers. It's not that I don't like them (I am one) but I can go to the local muny at home for that. Playing with local golfers when you travel is a real treat, they not only know the course but are willing to share their knowledge of the area, best restaurants, pubs, etc. And if you respect the rules of golf (and can play fast) they will practically adopt you. There is no greater feeling than to be invited to join a four-ball made up of club members in an exotic golf destination – except for maybe that pint with them after the round at the 19th hole!