The Best Golf Courses Of Hawaii

When you are planning a vacation to Hawaii there are many things to consider regarding entertainment and activities. The islands have so many fabulous things to offer on a vacation that it can be difficult to choose. However, if you are an avid golfer and simply want to enjoy your vacation relaxing with a few (or, say, 101) good rounds of golf, then Hawaii can deliver the goods in all aspects of the game. The weather on the islands is always nice, so a golfer will have no trouble indulging in all of the courses from Maui to the Big Island. If you are even slightly curious about how great the game of golf can be in Hawaii, all you need to do is look to the PGA tour. The first two tournaments of their season are in Hawaii every year.

No matter what the budget, you can enjoy a golfing vacation that will leave you completely fulfilled. In addition to the luxury courses, there are plenty of resorts and public courses that focus on families trying to maintain their Hawaiian vacation budget. Although Hawaii is a relatively small state, it is blessed with more than its fair share of courses that you should take the time to play a game of golf on.

The Challenge at Manele is the gold course on Lanai that offers you high-quality golf play designed by Jack Nicklaus. It is out of the ordinary as it is set among lava outcrops and also overlooks from tops of steep cliffs near the Pacific Ocean. The second part of the Lanai course is often called “The Experience at Koele” as it twists and turns through the island’s tropical uplands and is one paradise of a golf course.

Kapalua – This course is located on the northwest coast of Maui and offers two very fabulous sets of holes to choose from, “The Bay Course” and “The Plantation Course.” The PGA Tour Mercedes Benz Championship is held on the Plantation Course every year and the Bay Course offers spectacular views while you play your rounds.

The Kiele Course at Kauai Lagoons will have you in awe with its breathtaking views and lush green course. This course was also created by Jack Nicklaus and is over 40 acres of freshwater lagoons and even a wedding chapel for those that are feeling in the mood for taking their vows on the island..

Ko’olau Golf Course is in a gorgeous part of eastern Oahu and is known for being one of the toughest challenges in the entire country. The course is set beneath the Ko’olau Ridge mountain range, which gives it a unique setting, to say the least, as it offers a challenge beyond belief even for the most experienced golfer.

Kauai has its world-class course, too, on the sun-drenched south shore. Poipu Bay Golf Course is known for its rarity and excitement and the nearby waters are also home to many native species that include sea turtles, geese, seals and even humpback whales.

Princeville Course is another great Kauai golfing spot, a beauty overlooking Hanalei Bay. It is home to a fabulous hotel and spa for after the game, as well as two different courses, “The Prince Golf Course” and the “Makai Golf Course” that both were designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. The Prince Golf Course is the most challenging as it offers a rolling terrain, and Golf Digest named it the best course in the state.

If you are planning to stay at any of the resorts, villas or hotels that are located near golf courses there are many choices one each island, but Maui may have the lead. One of the best places might be the Hokulani Golf Villas, one of the newest luxury planned communities on Maui where you can stay and play. Also, there is Maui’s Wailea Golf Estates, a great spot that sits on 30 acres of sloped land. On any island, any of the clubs are ready to keep your game on point with all of the accessories and golfing equipment you could ask for, in pro shops that carry all the top name brands in gear and golf clubs. There are also lessons available at many of the clubs for beginners and those that simply need to brush up on their strokes, too.

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The Best Golf Courses In Orlando

Orlando, Florida is a spectacular city full of lush green landscapes, never-ending activities and a number of gorgeous golf courses for golfers to choose from. Orlando is one of the most popular destinations in the country to go for an unbelievable golfing experience that you will never forget. With all of the golf courses to choose from it can be a daunting task to pick the right one for your needs. Courses in Orlando offer more than just a great round of golf but also all of the other necessities such as clubs, clothing, shoes, clubs and all the other golfing accessories required for you to have a great game.

If you are simply looking for a quick round of golf then you can choose from many of the great 18-hole courses that are on offer. If you are looking to stay and play, there are many gorgeous golf resorts where you can go for your vacation. Here are a few courses that are quite popular and can help you make the right decision about where totee off.

Panther Lake – This course has sprawling meadows, native pines, lakes and wetlands that are simply breathtaking. Playing golf in and around the natural surroundings of nature makes the game even better (if that’s possible!). There are no housing or strip-mall developments near the course so you will never be distracted by traffic or other annoyances. You will most likely encounter several species of wildlife and native birds during your round of golf, though. There are sloping fairways that are guarded by strategically placed fairway bunkers, and water hazards and trees frame the holes to give golfers a clear line of play. It’s a great course!

Crooked Cat Golf Course – This golf course is a vast wonderland full of wide landing areas, native heather and so-called framing fairways, which make it one of most attractive courses in Orlando. This course is far from any ordinary connect-the-dots course, and you are free to roam around the course and venture to different areas. However, there are some things to be aware of when the shots you make veer off course, as balls can end up in some precarious places such as the grass bunkers.

Waldorf Astoria Golf Course – This small but truly exceptional course is designed with a five-tee system for all levels of playing ability. It is, however, quite challenging. The 18-hole Reese Jones-designed championship course is over 7,108 yards with a par 72, and gets a 74.6 rating for the professional tees it offers. Jones was always mindful of the natural elements and environmental issues of the area, and so built the course using all of the land’s existing contours. The club’s location is adjacent to the Waldorf Astoria Orlando and was the first Waldorf Astoria built outside of New York, with 498 rooms and suites. However, there are still other Orlando hotels to choose from that are close to many of the courses.

Dubsdread Golf Course – This is an historic course that has been popular since its debut in 1924. It continues to be a favorite among locals and visitors from all over the world. The golf course received a complete overhaul in 2008 as a part of the Little Lake Fairview Restoration and Dubsdread Golf Course Renovation Project. The new and improved golf course includes lighted driving ranges, a very large putting green and two bunker areas. The city has also taken steps to improve the club facilities by making several improvements and upgrades in the surrounding area.

The Metro West Golf Club – This golf course is located only two miles from Universal Orlando Resort. This magnificent course was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. and is one of the most beautifully landscaped courses in Orlando. The club has earned several awards for the beauty of its course as well as the excellence of its service.

Hunter’s Creek Golf Course – This course happens to be surrounded by spacious fairways, tall pine trees and 13 lakes. You can find the course less than 20 minutes away from the Orlando International Airport and Disney Resorts. With over 7,200 yards of green playing field this course is an absolute golfer’s dream come true. This course has won awards and served as the home base for several major tournaments that include the U.S. Open from 1989-1994.

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The Best Golf Courses Of Punta Cana

Punt Cana, a jewel in the Dominican Republic, is well known for its beautiful beaches that face both the Atlantic and the Caribbean. Sine the early 1970s the area has been a premier destination for hordes of tourists every year that come here to escape the hustle and bustle of the so-called real world. There are tons of activities to choose from when you visit Punta Cana and it can be hard to fit them all in one vacation. One of the most popular recreational activities and sports to get involved in is golf. Almost anyone that comes to Punta Cana wants a chance to play a round of golf on one of the many beautifully well-maintained courses. Whether you are young and old there is a round (or two, or nine) of golf that is just right for you. Families can also join together for a 9- or 18-hole challenge.

From beginners to the experienced golfer, everyone who gets the chance to tee off here in Punta Cana be pleased with their options. There is a variety of courses to choose from as well as resorts that offer a chance to stay and play. Even if you do decide not to stay at one of Punta Cana’s hotels or resorts you will always be able to find a great golf course at which to spend the day. All of the courses are first-rate, with all the golf carts and all of the gear and accessories that you could possibly need. You can either purchase or rent any or all of the gear that you will need for a great day of golfing.

A day is an adventure

You can start your golfing adventure at the La Cana Golf Course located at the Punta Cana Resort. This resort has a beautifully wide, spreading golf course that has 14 championship holes, making it 7,000 yards of golfing paradise when you add in the picturesque ocean views. This course offers lessons for beginners and a chance for pros to brush up on their skills. You can work on your strokes and your aim with some of the best golf pros around, and they are there specifically to help you achieve your golfing goals.

Head over to the Barcelo Bavaro Beach Golf and Casino Resort if you want some different scenery and a chance to take a break a do a bit of gambling before continuing with the golf. Being one of the originals in the area, this course contributed to growing Punta Cana’s high volume of tourism. The golf course here is 6,106 yards long, which spells G-R-E-A-T for anyone that is in love with the sport of golfing. The course is in close proximity to one of the most popular beaches in the area, too. There are challenges for the best of duffers as well as lessons for those that want a little work on their game. Just like the La Cana Golf course, the Bavaro Golf Course also features all the putting greens, club rentals and pro shop gear that you need, with top brands of accessories, clothing, shoes and much more.

Still more golf!

Another great course to visit is the White Sands Golf Course that you can find in the Bavaro area. This course has recently added nine new holes in order to make it an 18-hole course. When you decide to stay at the White Sands Resort you can expect to receive special privileges such as great discounts and other perks. The course is over 7,000 yards of green heaven. The 18 holes can be a challenge to some, and this course has been deemed one of the best in Punta Cana.

Yet another great course in Punta Cana, which was designed by Nick Faldo, is the Roco Ki Golf Club. This course quickly has become known as the fantasy course for the avid golfer. The views are fabulous and it makes not only a great place to play golf but to relax as well. The Dominican Republic is well known for all of its great golf courses and you will discover that the area is fully loaded with courses that seem to have their own personalities. Everyone that comes to Punta Cana to golf always leaves with a favorite course (or two) to come back to, again and again, over the years.

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5 Places You Must See When Visiting South Carolina

South Carolina, also known as the Palmetto State, receives over twenty-nine million visitors per year. It lies on the east coast of the US and borders Georgia to the south and North Carolina to the north. The original colony was named in honor of King Charles I, as “Carolus” is Latin for Charles. It has a population of over four and a half million and is ranked twenty-fourth among the US states. Columbia is the capital of this state and its forty-six counties. Like most of the states in the region, the weather is quite temperate year round which provides many months of comfortable tourism. If South Carolina is one of your destinations, there are many places you might consider visiting. Here are five of them, in no particular order: Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, Columbia and Greenville/Spartanburg.

Charleston is the county seat of Charleston County. It is the oldest city in the state and the second largest. The city’s original name was Charles Towne in and it moved to its current location on Oyster Point in 1680. Charleston is known as The Holy City due to the prominence of churches and numerous steeples which dot the city’s skyline. It has a population of over one-hundred and twenty thousand. Marjabelle Young Stewart, an American etiquette expert recognized Charleston as the “best-mannered” city in the US in 1995.

Myrtle Beach is a coastal resort city in Horry County, South Carolina. It is the hub of both the Myrtle Beach metropolitan area and the Grand Strand, a complex of beach towns and barrier islands. The area’s attractions include its beaches and many golf courses as well as amusement parks, an aquarium, retail developments and nearly two thousand restaurants. Myrtle Beach has an estimated 460 hotels. The area also has an IMAX theatre, dinner theatre and nightclubs. Myrtle Beach welcomes Hard Rock Park, so named after the popular Hard Rock Caf chain (now called Freestyle Music Park). The Carolina Opry is another highly-acclaimed attraction as well as the Myrtle Beach Convention Centre. An interesting point, while gambling is not legal in South Carolina; visitors may access a gambling boat which sails into international waters beyond the reach of federal and state gambling laws.

Hilton Head Island or Hilton Head is resort town (located on an island of the same name) in Beaufort County, South Carolina. The island features twelve miles of beachfront on the Atlantic Ocean. In 2004, an estimated two and a quarter million visitors came to stay. The island’s population growth rate has been over thirty-two percent over the past decade. This town is known for its “eco-friendly” development and as a result enjoys an unusual amount of tree cover relative to the amount of development. Over 70% of the island is located inside gated communities; however the town maintains several public beach access points. The island offers an unusual number of cultural opportunities including Broadway-quality plays, the 120-member full chorus of the Hilton Head Choral Society, the Symphony Orchestra and the largest outdoor, tented wine tasting event on the east coast. It also hosts the Verizon Heritage, a stop on the PGA Tour.

Columbia is the state capital and largest city in the US state of South Carolina. The city’s name comes from a poetic synonym for America, derived from the name of Christopher Columbus. It is located thirteen miles northwest of South Carolina’s geographic centre and CNNMoney.com named Columbia as one of America’s 25 best places to retire. US News and World Report ranked the city 6th on its 2009 list of “America’s Best Affordable Places to Retire” List.

Greenville is the seat of Greenville County, in upstate South Carolina, US. It is the third largest city in the state and is the largest of the Greenville-Spartanburg-Anderson Combined Statistical Area (CSA) which in 2006 had an estimated population of over 1.2 million. The CSA is an eight county region of northwestern South Carolina known as the “The Upstate.” As the largest city in the Upstate, Greenville offers many activities and attractions. Greenville’s theatres and event venues regularly host major concerts and touring theatre companies. Greenville has the only golf course in the world that has each conceived by a different designer. CrossWinds Golf Club is a public Par 3 course that can be played in one hour for 9 holes or two hours for 18. Other attractions include Falls Park on the Reedy, Liberty Bridge, Greenville County Museum of Art and the Bob Jones University Museum and Gallery.

With so many amazing places to go and different places to see, the culture and history of this state are boundless to absorb. It is easy to see why so many tourists make South Carolina their destination of choice on vacation.

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The Best Golf Courses Of Aurora, Colorado

Aurora is the third largest city in the state of Colorado and sits just next to Denver, making it a hot spot for vacationers. Established in the 1880s, the city is the home to seven award-winning, public golf courses and several smaller private courses as well. For those who love golf, the city is a perfect location for taking a golfing vacation. There are a variety of other activities to enjoy while in town as well, making it a perfect spot for vacationing with the entire family.

Aurora Hills

This course features more than 6,500 yards of golf, with the longest tees equaling a par of 72. The course’s overall rating is 70.1, with a slope rating or 115. Courses contain rye grass and offer visitors 18 holes. The course was designed and opened in 1968, exhibiting the work of designer Henry B. Hughes. The design of the course is that of a long, urban setting, with mature trees and long, walkable paths. It’s a challenging course but one that offers a great deal of fun for the casual player.

Meadow Hills

The Meadow Hills course is a former country club, featuring nearly 6,500 yards of playing space. The 70-par, 18-hole course is rated 70.6, with a slope of 129. The look and feel of the course meet with the traditional country club history. It offers tree-lined fairways, beautiful grounds, and large lakes. It is a highly rated course and ranks among the favorites for the State of Colorado.

Murphy Creek

This nationally ranked, champion 18-hole course was established in 1999. It features a long prairie layout. It is ranked seventh in the nation by Golf Weekly, among the top 50 courses according to Golf for Women, and among the top 10 public courses per Golf Digest. The 72-par course offers visitors more than 7,500 yards, with a rating of 75.5 and slope of 139.

Centre Hills Par 3

This is a great course for beginners, offering a complete training center and run location. It features chipping and putting greens, with a big, well-lit driving range. It is a great facility for practicing, and has a par-27, nine-hole course of more than 1,300 yards.

Saddle Rock

This extremely challenging 18-hole course is nationally ranked, including a rating in the top 10 according to Golf Digest. It is also an Audubon Society certified Cooperative Sanctuary, featuring beautiful grounds, with long and high plains, and natural, native Colorado regions. It is a unique course that includes a great deal of variation between holes, and even has one of Fox Sports dream holes. It is a 72-par course, with a rating of 74.7, a slope of 140, and more than 7,351 yards of playing greens.

Fitzsimons

This former army course was established in 1918 and only included three sand greens at the time. It developed into an expansive Par-71, 18-hole, tree-lined course with more than 6,000 yards of greens. It has a rating of 69.3 and a slope of 126. The course has one of the richest histories of any course found in the State of Colorado and is one of the best courses for those looking to play a full round of golf in less than half a day.

Springhill

This 18-hole course is a favorite for beginners. It is also among the best courses for seniors who still love the game. It’s a challenging but fun course, in a rural setting, with nearly 5,000 yards and Par 64. It has a rating of 63.7 and a slope of 105.

The City of Aurora is a perfect vacation local for those who love golf. The family who loves golf will find the city especially intriguing but a family vacation can also be great in Aurora even when only one or a couple of the family members are golf enthusiasts.

In addition to the fantastic courses that can be found scattered throughout the city, Aurora is also the home of a variety of artistic, cultural, historical, and natural attractions as well. The city’s attractions are among the best in the world, and make the Aurora a perfect place to enjoy not only some great golf, but some of the best musical performances, live theater, dining, shopping, museum tours, historical site visits, and sporting events available.

At EssenTravel.com you will find everything you need to plan your trip, whether you need a place to sleep, a reliable rental car, an affordable flight. If you are traveling to Colorado, check out our website for great deals on aurora hotels. We provide great discounted prices for comfortable places to stay during your vacation or business trip. For more information visit us online today!

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Ballybunion Hotels: 3 Great Hotels To Visit In Ireland

The majority of Ballybunion hotels are to be found in the picturesque countryside surrounding the village. The following hotels make a superb destination for a special occasion or an ideal base for visiting the nearby beaches, Ballybunion Golf Club and touring the Ring of Kerry.

Ballyseede Castle Hotel is an authentic 15th century castle set within its own estate. Each of the 12 rooms in the castle has a bespoke design and all afford wonderful views of the castle’s lawns.

It is possible to see the period features of its past (intricate plasterwork, large marble fire places) throughout the hotel and the guest rooms are all as tastefully furnished as the common areas. Dinner at the castle is a real treat for gastronomes as the personable service means that each dish of modern Irish cuisine is of the highest standard.

Staying with the castle theme, the Glin Castle Hotel has a larger quantity and selection of rooms to choose from. The Glin Castle is situated overlooking the Shannon River and features a wonderful walled garden that proves popular for an after-dinner walk.

The hotel’s own restaurant can cater for a variety of palates and group sizes and has a large menu to choose from, with traditional Irish dishes featuring prominently.

For anyone seeking a more rural setting for their holiday then the country setting of the Ballygarry Hotel is a joy to behold. The country house is set in a scenic area of countryside just outside Ballybunion. The rooms are all spacious and traditionally furnished as you would expect from a country house.

The real draw for many guests to Ballygarry is their restaurant and Nadur spa. The restaurant has a great hearty menu of Irish dishes that make great use of locally sourced produce. The spa is a new addition to the hotel that has added to its popularity thanks to the relaxing treatments that are available (mud-baths, seaweed soaks, thermal suites).

The village of Ballybunion has experienced a resurgence in popularity over the past decade thanks to the fact that it has held on to its old style charm and not given in to the vagaries of over commercialization. This factor has drawn in many visitors looking for a traditional Irish experience and the hotels in Ballybunion have been playing their part by providing great service and a warm welcome.

If you enjoyed reading this post about hotels in Ballybunion then check out our website for articles about Ballybunion, Ireland and other destinations

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Golf Holidays In Portugal – 5 Golf Clubs That Are Well Worth A Visit

It is never going to be easy to single out five special golf courses in any one country. Compiling such a list for Portugal is made even more difficult due to the huge range and styles of courses on offer.

For this reason, this list is the culmination of personal experience of several golf holidays in Portugal and a variety of forum surveys. The courses chosen are selected for their location, quality of greens & fairways and the sheer variety of game play they can offer through 18 holes of golf.

One club that is ideal for hot summer days in Portugal is the relatively short but enjoyable Estoril course. This 6000 yard course requires careful course management to navigate the bunkers and unforgiving rough that surround most fairways and greens.

The Penha Longa course is finally playing host to the Portugal Open (in 2010) so has been receiving some recent modifications to tighten up the course design. Amateurs will enjoy the scenery around the course as some holes play through ancient ruins.

The south course in Quinta do Lago is the more mature of the two courses available to play at this resort. Some holes prove challenging due to the stark Atlantic Ocean breeze, while other holes are sheltered by lush vegetation and forestry. Given the courses maturity, the greens play exceptionally true and fast as one would expect.

The Oitavos Golf Club is a well architected course that makes the most of the surrounding countryside. It has played host to the Open and as a result the front nine and back nine holes require long tee shots and accurate second shots in order to avoid the bunkers that are dotted around most greens.

A great many golfers will base themselves in Vilamoura town for their golf break. The highlight of such a stay would have to be playing the Vilamoura Old Course. The course has an array of trees running the length of some fairways, placed there to capture poorly placed drives and channel the gusting winds around greens. As one of the older courses in the area it probably has the smoothest & fastest greens in the region.

It is fair to say that this list cannot be considered as fully comprehensive and no doubt misses out some other charming courses. Hopefully though, it provides a guide to the sheer variety of championship courses of offer in Portugal.

Looking for European golfing breaks? For the perfect golf holiday Algarve, Estoril and the other Portuguese regions have it all. Visit the Golf Holidays In Portugal Guide to learn more.

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