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! 

Colin Montgomerie Brings First Class Golf To Asia

I didn't realize Colin Montgomery was a golf course designer – and a darn good one from the looks of it, until I found out about this wonderful golf cruise to Asia on the Crystal Symphony – your home while cruising in Asia. The ship makes a stop in Vietnam where golfers have the opportunity to play the just-opened Montgomerie Links , situated within sight of the famed China Beach, with views of the South China Sea, Marble Mountain and just minutes from DaNang.

"Monty" as he affectionately referred to by his legion of fans is hugely popular in Europe and Asia where his unique style is appreciated on an international scale. I emailed the man himself, the guy who I feel is personally responsible for what feels like a hundred U.S. Ryder Cup Team losses over the last decade (man – that dude can putt!) to ask him if he ever considered designing a golf course in the States.(no response to date)

From the look of what he has done in these countries, Ireland, China, Wales, Maylasia, Turkey, Bahrain, and especially Vietnam, this life-long amateur golfer happily volunteers his home state of Arizona for the first Montgomerie Links designed golf course built (as far as I know) in the United States! (real golfers here love Monty!) I will never forget his singles match with the late Payne Stewart at the 1999 Ryder Cup at Brookline CC. The drunks were on Monty that day pretty bad as I recall, heck maybe for the whole tournament, the thing I remember most is how he handled it so gracefully and kept on playing his best even after the Cup was already lost to the U.S. side. We lost Payne a little more than a month later.

Believe it or not there are links-style golf courses in Arizona, maybe not in the traditional sense where in the British Isles, for example, a links course would be located along a body of water. We make up for that by having no shortage of sand in the Sonoran Desert, a feature that Monty seems to favor in his designs. I anxiously await Mr. Montgomeries' reply and will update this blog in a new post.

What really grabbed me about this particular itinerary (other than the fact that it's a golfer's dream cruise, Hong Kong to Singapore -wow!) was the fact that it stops in Vietnam. The fact that I am a Vietnam veteran is not the point here. What is more relevant is that after just a few minutes of research on the Internet I discovered some interesting information – actually one of life's curious coincidences. Monty's course near DaNang, located just off the famed China Beach might have been built (partially) on top of the very spot where I was wounded as a marine in 1969! Can you fathom that? Picture this: A Saturday in 2009, having left the Crystal Symphony in harborbeen transferred to Monty's latest, Montgomerie Linksteeing off on #7 at Monty's links, a calm and peaceful, sunny day on the links in Vietnam? Huh? I stripe a drive right down the middle of the fairway, in the shadow of Marble Mountain, not realizing that under my feet may be the exact spot where I lay wounded in another dimension. Gives me the shivers! 

You can read all about that and get the details on the Asia Golf Cruise by viewing the latest post on LowCarb Cruising where I describe this fantastic cruise and the related topics to my tour in Vietnam.

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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.

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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.

Custom Golf Packages? – No Problem!

What is the secret to Arizona Trails success? – they never give up! They are relentless in rooting out the best deals for any travel or vacation inquiry that comes their way and won't be happy until the customer has exactly what they want in a vacation package. They may be located in Fountain Hills, Arizona and really strong with golf packages to the Scottsdale area but they offer some other unique and exotic golf destinations in places like, Hawaii, Europe and Africa, to name just a few.

African Safari With Golf Ala Mode

So think of them for all your travel needs – NOT just for golf. They offer value in all their travel plans. Golfers are seasoned travelers, smart travelers, affluent travelers, they are interested in many other kinds of vacations and Arizona Trails has served them well by providing them with other vacation options, including themed cruises: green travel, adventure travel, luxury travel. They may be the most experienced cruise agency I have ever encountered (over a hundred cruises between the staff!) and experts in those international itineraries that can get so frustrating to the inexperienced. Use their knowledge, it doesn't cost you any more and if you like what they find for you – book it!

By the way, I don't work for Arizona Trails, I am not compensated by them, nor do I receive any commissions for referrals that come from me or this website. I have known them for more than 13 years and as a hotel director of sales for Hilton Hotels I worked with them on a daily basis. I tell my readers about Arizona Trails because they are that good.

You can read more about them in the About Us page of LowCarbCruising

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.

PerryGolf out of Atlanta back then was very successful with the cookie- cutter trips to Scotland – they handled the actual tours, once the client was in country with accommodations, tee times, transfers, etc. and paid a nice 10% commission to travel agents like me for finding them the client. But I sensed there was more out there, I was searching for a custom experience arranged by a Scot, a golfer, a Scottish Golf Tour Operator who knew the destination as if they were born and raised there – and a nice Scottish brogue wouldn't hurt either!

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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!

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The Doris Day – Stella Stevens Golf Package

I became especially fond of the excellent conditions found at Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club, particularly their smooth, true and not-too-fast greens, (I guess partly because only my putter showed up for the round – 26 putts and 0 three putts!). I also enjoyed the carefully maintained fairways and impeccable tee boxes. And if the truth be known I am a celebrity watcher as much as anyone and was delighted when, playing the 18th hole, I was greeted by a cheerful Doris Day who was out walking her dogs!

Now this was some time ago, long before Arizona Trails offered golf packages to Quail Lodge Resort and when it was known as Carmel Valley Ranch. At the time I was so bedazzled by her (Doris's appearance) and celebrity factor (baby boomer here) and the fact that she could have been the lady next door with a totally open and friendly manner that I completely missed the scene that was unfolding in front of me. Stella Stevens, sex symbol of the 60's, and a celebrity due in large part to her perfect breasts – a true Hollywood goddess that I drooled over for many years, was setting up to hit my ball! She was garbed in all white, floppy hat, white gloves and long white pants. Kind of weird. Granted, my ball was in her fairway but still…hey STELLA!

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Golf Destinations For The Been There - Done That Golfer

Play The Old Course At St. Andrews Before You Turn In Your Earth Clubs To St. Peter

Not that there is anything wrong with famous name golf courses like, The Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland. It is on Golftrekker's list of the ten courses you must play before you check your earthly clubs with St. Peter at Heavens Gate while you are fitted for the ones you get to play with in heaven. Every shot is flushed on the sweet spot of those clubs – a feeling and a sound that a golfer never gets tired of hearing -truly Heavenly! 

"It's My Favorite Course In The World." – Tiger Woods

Playing the Old Course for the first time is awe-inspiring and really should be played a few times just to get over that look of a "deer in the headlights."  It is a special place and a bit intimidating to the first-timer. When given an opportunity to play golf there most golfers would consider that experience as one of those once-in-a-lifetime golf things. After you have had the opportunity to walk in the footprints of Old Tom Morris, guided around 18 of the most famous holes in golf by a Scottish caddy (who will have you clubbed after the first hole for each shot after!) you start to appreciate the reverence in which it is held. And on Sundays when the course turns into a park you can join the people of St. Andrews and just stroll this fabulous place by the North Sea and the Firth of Forth. 

Playing The Old Course At St. Andrews Is Magical Golf

In fact, it's a lot like playing golf while dreaming. You can hardly believe you are actually playing at the Home Of Golf. I played St. Andrews for the first time in 1992 and I was very lucky to have been invited to join a threesome of St. Andrews members. I don't think I have ever had more fun playing golf even though the conditions were less than perfect by my fair weather standards, but hey, I was there in early October and I told myself I would gladly except what I got. Windy and cold most of the day with scattered rain showers – perfect conditions for most Scots but I was spraying it around pretty good and spending too much time in the rough.

A Golf Course Where Golfers Marshal Themselves

The thing that I remember most about that day was what was said by one of the members as we approached the 5th green – "we need to pick up the pace a bit gents." There was no one in front of us and no one immediately behind us, no marshal telling us we are out of position, our time was policed by the players! Imagine that happening in the US? Ha! It's generally considered to be "bad form, old twit" if you can't play their courses, while walking (there are very few golf carts over here that have more than two wheels) in under four hours.

Discovering Golf Gems Off The Beaten Path

I have played many of the more famous courses located within the British Isles, Carnoustie, Old Head, Lahinch, Turnberry and Royal Troon, just to name a few but many more whose names I forgot that were just as good. I only bring up the likes of St. Andrews to make a point. Golfers can be terrible name droppers when it comes to golf travel, thereby missing out on some of the greatest courses they never played. For instance, in great golf destinations like Scotland, Ireland and especially New Zealand, most regular golfers are members of a private club, playable by arrangement of a connected tour operator. (If truth be told they might even wish us Yanks never found them – Americans play waaay too slow for them!)  But because of their hospitable nature they still roll out the welcome mat when we manage to discover them.

Consult A Golf Travel Specialist

Tee times, especially for the Old Course are hard to get, so it's best to consult a proessional travel consultant that specializes in Scotland Golf Packages that will include other great courses to play there – of which there are many. Would you believe there are 25 links-style courses between Turnberry and Carnoustie? All of them a challenge to playand when you do, ask them about the courses no one hears about that are just as good if not better than the name courses.

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Golf Courses – A Good Walk Not Spoiled

Scenery is a big factor with me when I play golf now. When I was a lot younger I could play any goat ranch that would accept my money.  Now, I can sense the playability of a golf course simply by driving into the parking lot. I find myself to be a golf snob now and will spend my money only when the course is worthy. Hence, I was able to appreciate the challenging layout at Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club, Carmel, CA offered by Arizona Trails without getting too upset about wayward shots the day I played there. (there were too many to count). Unlike the clockwork precision of a Myrtle Beach starter, you will find a more relaxing pace here. I even had lunch on the patio between nine's and never lost my position!

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Golf Destinations That Are Relaxing As Well As Challenging

I have played golf courses in many countries, about 40 U.S. states (and counting) in various settings unique to each area – each one offers a different type of terrain, flat to hilly, dramatic water features and vegetation suited to the type of course, traditional, links or desert. While desert golf is popular in my home town of Scottsdale, Arizona I prefer trees, water and as much elevation as I can find. I like dramatic tee shots and greens as fast as I can find them. I have this ability now at this stage of my life that I didn't have before – that of taking the time to appreciate my surroundings when I am on the course. My game has become not so much about score as it is about trying to hit solid, flag-seeking approach shots and longer drives. My course management skills have improved because somewhere along the way I developed patience. Is there a new book here? Zen and the Art of Golf?

From My Golf Vacation Planner Friends At Arizona Trails

This post is a bit late getting on and my apologies to Rox & Hank at Arizona Trails for my tardiness. But they are good folks, golf package vacation planners who can appreciate the only excuse I have that will fly, that of seeking out, playing and reviewing the hidden gems in golf, courses that are sought by golfers more interested in playability and less in what a course's marketing dollar will buy them. We seek unique and exciting new golf destinations like The Crossings At Carlsbad  and The Bridges Golf Club. Courses that will defy today's economic conditions with their quest to offer reasonable rates, encouraging golfers to come out and smell the fairways. Here is where value is measured not just by the price of a green fee but in the overall experience. (stay tuned for my golf course reviews to follow on future posts)

It's Not Too Late To Enjoy A Great California Golf Package

There is still time to get in on Arizona Trails latest golf package offer (valid up to October 30, 2008), featuring a pleasant and relaxing golf destination where I have stayed and played before – back when it was known as Carmel Valley Ranch. Little has changed to spoil the quiet and relaxed atmosphere but much has changed via improvements to the lodge and golf course. The Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club in scenic Carmel Valley, California is a place where you can forget your troubles – even if your game is a little rusty.

The Package:

*A custom three night stay (weekends) with 2 rounds of golf per person starting at $875. per person plus tax – a 40% savings over published rates and available only through Arizona Trails! Travel mid-week and save even more. Contact your golf vacation planner at ArizonaTrails today!

Quail Lodge – One Of The Top 100 Golf Resorts In The World.

Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club has joined the ranks of an elite list of Top 100 Golf Resorts in the World – according to Conde Nast Traveler magazine. – considered THE voice of travel, and is a great place for a one-of-a-kind golf package offer – exclusive to Arizona Trails customers. The golfer is the beneficiary of great accommodations, championship golf and extra amenities included with each package, things that will start your trip off on the right foot – by making the golfer feel welcome. Simple pleasures, a glass of wine at check-in, special in-room amenity and continental breakfast daily will serve to accent the great golf there. This golf package is priced right and is an example of the extremely good golf-related stuff we deem worthy of passing on to our golfing audience – AS is the name of the company offering it. It is one of the most experienced and golf-savvy travel operations booking golf packages today.

Not Just Golf Vacation Experts

Not only does Arizona Trails know golf but their agents are able to talk extensively to families considering a European holiday, wow you with their cruise knowledge to a couple planning a cruise to celebrate their wedding anniversary, explain to a traveler how Arizona Trails can get you the best deals and how you can save money by working with a travel professional, explain to potential cruise customers how Arizona Trails and ONLY Arizona Trails can obtain additional goodies from cruise vendors that are guaranteed to make them feel special on their cruise- Captains Table anyone? All this while sending off a happy church organization group to Hawaii, then turn around and plan the perfect golf vacation – all in a day's work!

Not to sound dramatic or anything but, never, in my 23 years of working in the golf and travel industry, have I seen an organization who even came close to what these guys and gals do on a routine basis. It doesn't matter if it's preferred tee times for a group of 12 golfers to such stellar golf destinations as Scottsdale, Arizona, California, and the Caribbean , Island Golf in Hawaii or providing first-hand knowledge about a destination that you are making plans to visit. How about assistance in planning the trip of a lifetime? A trip that you would never book just by going online – do you put your credit card deposit down for a trip offered by a website with the coolest pictures? Not me! For example, I have always been interested in a golfing safari to South Africa Arizona Trails is where I plan to go when I finally pull the trigger on going. They know Africa!

Golf Package Experts Make The Best Golf Vacations

Take this package for example: Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club, a place Voted one of 2008's Top 100 Golf Resorts In The World by Conde Nast Traveler BUT to also let you know about the capabilities of a unique golf travel organization. Arizona Trails is my go-to for great golf getaways and not just Arizona golf destinations (although they do a better job than anyone else for Scottsdale & Phoenix golf packages through their Golf Division: Scottsdale Golf & Lodging). Most importantly it is staffed with folks who know their golf, a very complicated niche that most travel generalists just can't handle.

True golf packagers must know their destination like the back of their hand – and in order to accomplish this they must be located on-site in a resort destination like Scottsdale, in order to be knowledgeable about their fabulous restaurants, shopping areas, where the locals go to dine and party, how to avoid traffic jams on Scottsdale Rd. Golf courses considered "diamonds in the rough" outside of Scottsdale city limits but a must play. Then they have to be able to deal with the constant changes within the golf industry, be on top of Tee Time technology, have great wholesale pricing structures for golf and accommodations designed to save the consumer money off the published rate while still making a nickel for themselves. You have to be known and respected by the local hotels & resorts, in other words, work their tails off to be the best in the golf travel niche. This is the place where after 22 years in the golf business – I finally learned how to sell golf!

One Of The Many Unique Golf Packages Offered By Arizona Trails

With Accommodations and Golf at the Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club

A golf package that offers a savings of 40% off published prices. Available only through Arizona Trails.

You can find out more about Arizona Trails in the About Us pages at LowCarbCruising and LowCarbVacations