You can book your golf vacation entirely online now. The best golf travel sites offer in-depth directories of golf resorts, courses and hotels for you to choose from in a wide variety of countries and locales. You can even find travel sites online that cater to specific destinations with a 100% focus on golf. Are you interested in a Scottish golf trip? There’s a web site for that. How about something simpler, for instance, such as a golfing tour of the southeast United States? Sites for that are available as well.

The best part about booking your golf trip online is that you are in complete control of your vacation. You are in charge of selecting the hotel accommodations straight through to your golf-related activities. That includes booking tee times and scheduling training sessions from the resident pro. You can pick things to do and places to stay based on what you want and not what some stuffy travel agent wants you to pick so they get the highest commission.

When it’s time to book your next golf trip take control with your own hands and save yourself some money by making the plans yourself. You will be surprised at how easy and affordable it can be to put together your own golf vacation.

Book Your Golf Vacation Online is a post from: The Golf Slice

Lotus Valley Golf Club
The Lotus Valley Golf Club, located near Bangkok, is famously designed by Gary Player. It is one of the few golf courses Player has designed on the continent in fact. The actual course itself is based on a Scottish feel, with trimmed fairways and plenty of water hazards. What sets Lotus Valley apart from most golf clubs is its distinct hotel feel. All of your purchases are tallied on a day pass that is settled at the end of your round. The course is littered with other high-end amenities including a very posh Japanese-inspired locker room and a well-rated restaurant.

Plantation Course at Siam Country Club
This site is actually comprised of three 9-hole affairs built to test the mettle of any golfer. Located in Pattaya, near the Gulf of Thailand, the Siam Country Club offers a golfing experience that features long holes, numerous hazards and unique features like large greens (one is almost 2,000 square feet in size and the final destination for three converging holes). Aside from the challenge the course offers, the Siam Country Club also provides the kind of luxury accommodations golfers on vacation are coming to expect from their travel experiences.

Mission Hills Golf Resort
Arguably the best golf experience on Phuket, Missions Hills offers a course experience right along the ocean coastline. The course itself was designed by Jack Nicklaus and features plenty of water features (natural for a course located on an island). It is the kind of course where your surrounds and atmosphere help ease the pain of a poor performance. After your round, Mission Hills offers a nice dining experience for you and your group as they end their golfing day.

Thailand offers dozens of golfing opportunities spread across quite a few diverse geographical areas for a country of its size. With a nice mix of challenges, course are available for players of all skill levels, and a strong emphasis on luxurious vacationing there are plenty of good reasons to investigate Thailand as your next golf holiday destination.

Golf Holidays in Thailand is a post from: The Golf Slice

Castro Marim
The course at Castro Marin, built in 2000, is positioned in an area of the Algarve where golf courses are rare. The course features plenty of water features and is placed on land that rolls up and down with numerous hills. The course’s difficulty is probably considered average with various holes containing challenges for golfers of any expertise level. You’ll mostly be visiting to enjoy a relaxing round of golf at one of the most scenic courses in all of Europe.

Pine Cliffs Resort
The Pine Cliffs Resort, overlooking the Atlantic OCean, is only a nine hole affair but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s going to be an easy outing. The holes are tight and surrounded by plenty of pine trees (hence the name of the resort) and obstacles. The resort features the standard golfing amenities like a driving range and chipping and putting practice areas. One feature that sets Pine Cliffs above most 9-hole courses is the inclusion of an on-site golf academy. Touted as perfect for scratch golfers and amateurs alike, it’s the perfect place to get golf instruction.

San Lorenzo Golf Club
Set in the middle of a nature reserve alongside the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, the golf course at the San Lorenzo Golf Club was designed by Joseph Lee in 1988. The course is widely known for its water hazards, courtesy of the natural surroundings, as well as elevated tees overlooking the landscape. The 18 hole course is also littered with its fair share of bunkers and sand traps to provide extra challenge but most golfers come to San Lorenzo for the scenery.

These are just three of the dozens and dozens of golf courses in the Algarve for you to choose from while on vacation in Portugal. There’s an eclectic mix of both 18-hole and 9-hole courses offering a wide spectrum of challenge. Whether you are a seasoned golfer or an amateur hacker you should have no trouble finding a golf course or resort right for you.

Golf Holidays in the Algarve of Portugal is a post from: The Golf Slice

This winter I’m going to be spending a few weeks in Florida and you can bet I’m going to be flying down there with my golf clubs and trying to sneak in a few rounds. I’ll be traveling alone though. It’s a tougher sell to sneak out and hit the course when you have a spouse or family to worry about and keep entertained…

The trick to a golf vacation plan, especially if your significant other couldn’t care less about golfing, is to pick a destination that offers everyone something to do. That’s why the best spots are sometimes overseas. You can find a list of excellent golf holiday packages online for spots on the European continent like Spain and Portugal.

So if you woke up this morning and it was thirty degrees outside and the forecast calls for wind and show it might be time to think about escaping town for a week or two. Find some place sunny and warm with tons of golf courses and have a great vacation.

Planning Your Golf Holiday is a post from: The Golf Slice

Lee Westwood appears to be an obvious favorite to win it all at Royal St. George’s. Westwood placed third at the British Open two years ago and finished as runner-up last summer. He also finished second at the 2010 Masters. Westwood overtook Tiger Woods as the world’s No.1 ranked golfer last October and spent 17 weeks atop the list. He is the only golfer to hold a no. 1 ranking without winning a major. Westwood ranks 10th all time on the European Tour with 20 victories.

His biggest challenge could come from Martin Kaymer, a German golfer who currently ranks No. 1 in the world after taking over the top spot in late February. Kaymer claimed his first major PGA title when he won the 2010 PGA Championship. He finished regulation tied at 11-under par with Bubba Watson and defeated Watson in a three-hole playoff to win the tournament. Kaymer has earned three other top 10 finishes in his last five majors.

Besides Westwood and Kaymer, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson can always be considered realistic contenders to claim the Open Championship. There will be no discount golf on hand at this year’s Open Championship; only the highest quality will be on display.

Mickelson defeated Westwood by three strokes to win the 2010 Masters. He is a three-time Masters champion and also won at the PGA Championship in 2005. For his career he has accumulated 17 top 5 finishes in the four majors. His best showing at the British Open came in 2004, when Mickelson came in third for his only top 10 finish in that major.

Woods ranks third all-time in both PGA Tour victories (71) and European Tour victories (38). A rough year in 2010 dropped him from the No. 1 spot in the world rankings. But Woods can get it done at the British Open. Three of his 14 victories in the majors have come in the United Kingdom and he has posted four other top 10 finishes.

An unheralded winner could come out of nowhere, however, given what happened the last time the British Open was played at Royal St. George’s in 2003. That year, Ben Curtis shocked the field when he shot a final round 69 to claim his first major title.

Royal St. George’s has hosted 14 Open Championships during its history. The course has developed a reputation for being a rugged one to manage with deep fairways winding through thick rough and imposing sand dunes. Even the best golfers have a tough time staying under par on this course.

2011 British Open is a post from: The Golf Slice

Hilton Head has a course to fit any golfer’s desires and abilities. The island boasts scenic oceanfront courses, tricky riverside courses, courses that twist and turn through maritime forests and tidal marshes, and even courses that have been designed by current and former PGA Tour professionals. Below you will find just three of the many beautiful and challenging courses Hilton Head Island has to offer.

Hilton Head National Golf Club
Hilton Head National Golf Club was the first public golf course in the area to be built inland. The course is located in Bluffton and features 27 holes that span over 6700 yards. The courses original 18 holes were designed by PGA Tour pro Gary Player. Player designed the initial 18 holes to challenge low-handicap golfers and entertain high-handicap golfers. Bobby Weed designed an additional nine holes for the course in 1998. Hilton Head National Golf Club is open year round, offers golf-pro services, rental clubs, carts included in fees, and has an open visitors policy.

Palmetto Dunes Course
The Palmetto Dunes Course at Hilton Head Island is one of the oldest and most cherished courses at the resort and recently celebrated its 40th birthday. The course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and opened in 1967. The tree-lined course at the Palmetto Dunes has an 18 hole championship course that stretches 6710 yards. The course rewards good golfers and while it can challenge the not so great, they will enjoy a scenic course in the process.

Harbour Town Golf Links
Harbour Town Golf Links at Sea Pines Resort is perhaps one of the best courses available to visitors of Hilton Head Island. PGA Tour legend Jack Nicklaus designed the original course that opened in 1970 and Pete Dye refined the course in 2000. The 18 hole course that covers 6910 yards from the championship tees features small greens and water in play on almost every hole. The course offers a serious test to any golfer looking for a good challenge on the links.

The above golf courses are just a few of the amazing courses visitors to Hilton Head Island can play. The resort features over 60 courses to challenge any golfer from amateurs to professionals. With a wide variety of public and private courses, with greens fees ranging from moderate to expensive and plenty of available Hilton Head tee times, every golfer will find the right course that not only fits their abilities but their budget as well.

Hilton Head Golf is a post from: The Golf Slice

The Phoenician
One of the highest recommended golf course locations in Scottsdale is The Phoenician, which actually features three different golf courses. The Oasis course is a 2,559 yard, 18 hole, par 35 golf course. It was opened in 1988 and is managed by Troon Golf, LLC, who also has numerous other golf courses throughout the state. The Desert golf course is an 18 hole course that features 2465 yards of golf and a par 35 that was also opened in 1988. In 1995 the Canyon course was added and features 2312 yards of 18 hole golf and is a par 35 as well. The Phoenician courses are known for their impeccably maintained courses, the best in the Scottsdale golf scene, and the difficulty of all three courses here are in the medium difficulty range.

The Lodge at Ventana Canyon
The Lodge at Ventana Canyon in Tucson is one of the highest rated places for golf in this area of Arizona and features two separate courses. The Mountain course is an 18 hole course featuring 6898 yards and a par 72, while the Canyon course features 6819 yards, 18 holes, and a par 72. Both courses were constructed in 1984 and have received numerous awards throughout the years from various golfing publications. Both courses are considered among the most difficult you will find in Arizona. The Lodge at Ventana Canyon courses are also well known for their scenery, with a chance to see some wildlife while playing your round, and their well maintained grounds. The lodging provided by this establishment is also something that many people have raved about, and the amenities offered by The Lodge are also something that many golfers have considered among the best you will find.

The Legacy Golf Resort
One of the prime choices in Phoenix golf is The Legacy Golf Resort. The Legacy was opened in 1999 and features 6816 yards of 18 hole golf and is a par 72 course. It is also conveniently located, being only eight miles from the center of town. While the course is not known as the most difficult course, it is also a bit harder than your basic medium difficulty courses. The Legacy Golf Resort is also known for it’s many amenities and it’s well maintained greens and fairways. Many golfers who have played here before have said that the Legacy presents a great value for the money, making this a course you will want to visit if you are in the Phoenix area.

Arizona Golf Courses is a post from: The Golf Slice

Ka’anapali Tournament Course
The Ka’anapali course is located on the island of Maui within the Ka’anapali beach resort. There are actually two separate courses included within the resort, and each has its own charms. The North course was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. It embodies all of the elements that the famous designer is known for. The greens are very large and heavily contoured to give even the most experienced golfer a putting challenge. This par 71 course is definitely not for the beginner. The South course is a little friendlier for the average golfer. The South course is also a par 71, but the greens are much smaller and less contoured for more straightforward putting. Pros are available on both courses to give you pointers about how to best approach each hole. The beautiful backdrop of Maui gives you uninterrupted views of the rolling hills in the distance.

Makaha Resort and Golf Club
William F. Bell designed this coarse on the island of Oahu in 1969. It has stood the test of time as one of the finest courses in the Hawaiian islands. This par 72 course holds a championship rating, and will challenge all of your golfing skills equally. The United States Golfing Association has rated it at 73.2, which means that pros and amateurs will need to bring their best games to compete here. It is unique in that it allows cart access for golfers and guests. The beauty of the view of the ocean from the course can’t be rivaled by any other golf course in the world.

Princeville Course
Kauai is home to the Hanalei Prince Course, which has been rated the best course in all of Hawaii, and the fifth best resort course in the world. Another Robert Trent Jones, Sr. design, Princeville is not an easy walk through beautiful scenery. This course will challenge even the most talented golfers. It carries a USGA rating of 75.3 for the par 72 course. Each hole offers five different tees that allow you to adjust the difficulty level, however, so amateurs can enjoy the course without taking a beating. They offer some of the widest range and best Hawaii tee times in the state. The Princeville clubhouse is also recognized worldwide for its luxurious accommodations.

The Best Hawaii Golf Courses is a post from: The Golf Slice

It’s the climate that makes golf in Spain so perfect. You can find a great variety of courses in this region. Costa de la Luz regularly hosts professional tournaments. Indeed sometimes joked about being the coast of golf, Costa de la Luz has become one of the best destinations for golfing and is getting renown for this. Lots of resorts are waiting for you in this part of sunny Spain.

Among this list we are including Montecastillo, also called Barcelo Montecastillo. Designed by Jack Nicklaus with extensive olive trees, one of the countries specialties, Montecastillo boast of hosting tournaments but is apt for the regular golfer as well.

Another of these resorts deserving mention is Elba Costa Ballena, which has an 18 hole course that lies at approximately a half mile from the beach. View of the Atlantic, anyone?

Islantilla boast of being included in Golf Digest’s 100 best golf destinations in Europe and it’s no wonder with its gorgeous trees surrounding the courses and it’s proximity to the sea that offers amazing cliff views, this makes for one incredible golfing experience.

El Rompido is yet another place that attracts golfing enthusiasts and serious players. Facing the Rio Piedras, it is located in a small fishing village. One of the two courses at El Rompido is bordered by a nature reserve, the other is bordered by beautiful pine and olive trees.

Vincci Resort Costa Golf and Vincci Canela are two more. Melia Santi Pietri is another, this one located among lakes and waterways.

Then there is Barcelo Costa Ballena’s Golf Hotel, whose entire reason for being is golf and spa and where the layout was made up by a Ryder Cup winner.

Clearly, a holiday in this beautiful region merits a good day out on the course, or several. Or maybe it’s the golf that will take you there and you’ll just happen to enjoy the amazing Spanish cocina. Whatever the case may be, bring your best clubs and a little sunscreen.

Golf In Spain is a post from: The Golf Slice

Wigwam Resort
The Wigwam Resort has become legendary with its 331 rooms and vibrant landscaping. There are two massive pools and a fire pit perfect for socializing. There are fifty four holes of championship golf making this a top destination for golfers from all over the world. The Red Door Spa is a world class facility that offers relaxing massage and any other services that will leave you feeling pampered and rejuvenated. Red’s Steakhouse is a four diamond rated restaurant on the resort with a superb menu. There are resort packages deals available making this legendary resort accessible to everyone. The fragrant citrus groves and lush landscaping make this a desert oasis that will be the vacation of your dreams. There is no shortage of activities that can be found in close proximity to the resort making this a vacation that can easily accommodate any tastes.

Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa
The Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa is one of the world’s best known resorts. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, this resort has been called the “Jewel of the Desert” and gained a reputation for luxury. There are eight swimming pools, a fitness center, seven tennis courts, and a world class spa. Two eighteen hole PGA golf courses make this a perfect destination for golfers. There are several award winning dining choices available on the resort. The resort is located at the foot of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve and rests on thirty nine acres of flower filled grounds. This is a resort like no other that will create lasting memories and a much needed break from the world. This distinctive resort offers pampering like no other with some of the most beautiful golf courses in the world. The Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa is a destination that is incomparable, with beautiful design and many award winning amenities that make this resort stand part from all others.

Marriott Star Pass Resort
Marriott Star Pass Resort has been voted one of the top 100 golf resorts. The staff is among the best in golf resorts and the facilities are stunning. This is a golf experience that offers a true escape nestled in the mountains with traverse canyons, desert washes and ravines. The lush desert terrain offers a challenge for golfers with unmatched natural beauty. The spa offers full services that draw upon the healing properties of the desert. There are seven dining options that serve world class cuisine and a relaxing environment. This is a beautiful place to come and play and escape from the world. The resort made a twenty year commitment to preserving the natural beauty and the habitats of the local wild life. This is truly a resort like no other and offers all of the beauty of untouched nature with all of the conveniences of a world class golf resort. This is a stunning property with amazing views of the desert and the mountains with golfing experiences that will never be forgotten. Marriott Star Pass Resort is among the most sought after resorts in the world for it’s beauty and services making this a great choice for a vacation.

Arizona Golf Resorts is a post from: The Golf Slice