| "Royal" Golf Clubs Can Make for Majestic Golf Vacations Did you happen to hear the British Open announcers say that Royal Birkdale Golf Club's championship course was completed in 1922 but it didn't become "royal" until 1951? Were you left wondering what that means and how certain layouts go from being mere golf courses to "royal golf clubs?"The answer is that while anyone can slap the word "royal" on their golf course (i.e. Royal Links Golf Club in Las Vegas and Royal New Kent Golf Club in Williamsburg, Va.), true "royal" golf clubs, such as Northern Ireland's Royal County Down Golf Club and Scotland's Royal Troon Golf Club, are designated as such by the British Royal Family; specifically, the Queen, and previously, the King. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com) |
 |
| Golf Courses in England Can Offer British Open-Quality Golf Vacations We Americans tend to gravitate to Scotland and Ireland when we cross the pond for golf vacations, but there are some equally great golf courses in England that deserve consideration. One of them is this year's British Open Championship site, Royal Birkdale Golf Club, which is not only the best golf course in England, but one of the top-five links in the entire UK and Ireland. When the Open Championship begins today, you'll be able to see it in all its glory.A superlative course by any standard, Royal Birkdale's towering, tumbling sandhills frame virtually every hole. Its greens are either notched into the dunes or sit boldly on plateaus exposed to the wind, making only the most precisely struck iron shots capable of holding their lines and finding the putting surfaces. A quirky course this is not, which is why Birkdale is a strong favorite with professionals. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com) |
|
| "Must Play" Panama City Golf Courses on a Florida Golf Vacation I'm taking a short Panama City, Florida golf vacation and I only have time to play one round of golf. Is there a "must play" layout among Panama City golf courses near the airport that I should try?The true "must play" layout among Panama City golf courses is Camp Creek Golf Club, which lies about 40 minutes away from the Panama City-Bay County International Airport, which has one of the longest airport names we've ever seen. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com) |
|
| Secrets to Playing and Staying at Westin Turnberry Resort on a Scotland Golf Vacation The 2008 British Open at Royal Birkdale is nearly upon us, and even though it will be Tiger-less, we are getting excited for what is considered the most important golf tournament in the world. Today, however, we'd like to call your attention to next year's Open Championship site, the Ailsa course at the Westin Turnberry Resort, in case you're thinking about playing it on a Scotland golf vacation. If you've been reading our golf vacation tips for awhile, you know we highly recommend playing the Ailsa Course on a Scotland golf vacation. It is scenic, offers hole after hole of fantastic golf, and brings with it a sense of history. Indeed, 2009 marks the fourth time Ailsa will host the Open Championship. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com) |
|
| Park City, Utah Golf Courses Not Just For the Rich and Famous On the advice of his doctors, Tiger Woods skipped hosting duties at his PGA Tour event this past weekend following his knee surgery in Park City, Utah. It was there that one of our editors bumped into, er, crossed paths with the Woods family, as both parties were staying at the swanky Stein Eriksen Lodge. Our correspondent was there to anonymously inspect and evaluate Park City, Utah golf courses and accommodations. For those who don't know, Park City is a renowned alpine resort mecca that each January serves as the hub of the Sundance Film Festival. Its historic Main Street is lined with trendy galleries, shops, boutiques, and restaurants where $40 entrees are commonplace. (continued at www.GolfVacationInsider.com) |
|