USA The United States of America could be called an association of 50 countries, not 50 states. The USA is vast and every state offers different geographies, atmospheres and qualities. We’ve travelled the length and breadth of the land (and lost a lot of golf balls in the process!) and come up with the finest USA golf holiday programme available. Every golfer’s tick-list includes courses like Pebble Beach, The Ocean Course at Kiawah and The Boulders in Arizona. For those in the know, the list would also feature CordeValle and the Seaside at Sea Island. We’ve got all these and many other top ranking courses and hidden gems. It’s a golfing feast! Whichever destination you choose, it’s quite a long journey so you’ll probably be going on holiday for at least one week. And when you’re away from home for more than a few days, you want your creature comforts and may well be looking to spoil yourself and/or want a little flexibility and a bit more space...Our choice of accommodation features the finest golf resorts in the USA and a couple of brilliant selfcatering options too – whatever your choice, you’ll be delighted. We’ve secured exclusive and very special relationships and all our USA partners are looking forward to meeting golfers from “the other side of the pond”. Added to these values and the warm welcome (and warm weather!), we’ve sorted special transatlantic airfares.
We Ko Pa Cholla Golf Course, Arizona (page 234).
As with all our holidays, we can create an itinerary to fit your time, criteria and budget – from a touring “adventure” to a lively oneweek break, a luxurious holiday of a lifetime to a golf-mad escape with your pals. Five of our team know the USA very well so you’re assured of experienced and knowledgeable service. As usual, we know the right people, have the right deals and offer only the right places.
California An 11 hour flight takes you to another world. California is home to 60m people and takes two days to drive from bottom to top. We’ll fly you into Los Angeles or San Francisco and we suggest a two/three-centre tour over a couple of weeks to sample the beaches, exciting tours, incredible countryside, the vineyards and the myriad of tourist attractions. The hotels are among the best in the business and several of the courses are listed among the world’s finest.
The finest resorts in the USA…Championship golf courses…Spectacular and surreal scenery… 224 USA: The golfing holiday of a lifetime GolfPlanet Holidays
www.yourgolfholidays.com GolfPlanet holidays
What the price includes
Seattle
Our prices are based on an exchange rate of $1.7/£1. Should the exchange rate decrease or increase, we will quote your holiday at the commercial exchange rate of the day.
CANADA
All our prices are ‘’all-inclusive’’ and there are NO hidden extras. The “From” price is based on mid-week and low season, and the O “To” price is based on weekend and high season. The prices include:
New York
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Washington
Chicago San Francisco
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Las Vegas Los Angeles
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ARIZONA
Phoenix Atlanta
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GEORGIA
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Pacific Ocean Houston
New Orleans
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MEXICO
Gulf of Mexico
Please contact us on 01277 824100 for the exact price for your preferred holiday dates as prices can vary week-to-week and we may have received a relevant special offer.
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San Francisco
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CordeValle
How to get there Here’s a list of the most convenient ways to get to your holiday destination.
The accommodation and board as detailed Fly-drive via UK – US based on scheduled flights costing £500 per person Four-in-a-large hire car with GPS and all insurances The selection of courses in the example itinerary Taxes and service charges A comprehensive Holiday Information Pack The knowledge and experience of our team ABTA and ATOL bonds so you know your money is safe Past Client benefits depending on your holiday spend
1
Del Monte
No currency surcharge We guarantee that the holiday price quoted to you when you pay your deposit is the holiday price you will pay. We have taken steps to avoid any possibility of surcharging our clients for currency fluctuations and any other holiday cost.
Pebble Beach Spanish Bay Spyglass Hill
For further information and the latest news, please call us on 01277 824100 or visit www.yourgolfholidays.com Plane ■ Several UK Airports – San Francisco or Los Angeles (11 hours)
Pacific Ocean
NEVADA
CALIFORNIA 100 miles Hotel location Main town Golf Club
Suggested Itinerary ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
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Fly-drive from UK to Los Angeles Two-in-a-mid-size hire car with GPS Six nights’ room only at the five-star Resort at Pelican Hill Three rounds at Pelican Hill Five nights’ room only at the five-star Lodge at Pebble Beach One round each at Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill and Links at Spanish Bay Three nights’ room only at the five-star CordeValle Resort Two rounds at CordeValle Return flight from San Francisco
Price
From £4450
Tel: 01277 824100 GolfPlanet holidays
Los Angeles 3
Pelican Hill North Pelican Hill South
A
San Diego
Pebble Beach Golf Links (page 227). © Joann Dost.
MEXICO
USA: The golfing holiday of a lifetime 225 GolfPlanet Holidays
Pebble Beach Resort We all know it and we all want to go there. But Pebble Beach is a lot more than just a famous golf course – there are three more courses, three hotels (The Inn, The Lodge and Casa Palmero) and a wonderful “gated-community” feel, as well as the beautiful Carmel Beach with its galleries and brasseries. If ever there was an American dream, this is it.
RESORT
© Joann Dost.
SPA £££££
The Inn at Spanish Bay ***** Pebble Beach 1 At a glance
Courses within 30 minutes
Preferred access to golf courses ■ Stunning ocean views ■ Relaxed atmosphere
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This impressive hotel has 269 bedrooms – all large, good fivestar standard, freshly renovated and with views of the gardens, course or ocean.
Suggested itinerary
From
To
Seven nights’ room only, golf at Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill, Spanish Bay & Del Monte
£2795
£2795
The Links at Spanish Bay (on site) ■ Spyglass Hill Pebble Beach ■ Del Monte
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JET SET
© Joann Dost.
SPA £££££
The Lodge at Pebble Beach ***** Pebble Beach 1
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Guest rooms feature a private patio or balcony and a cosy fire place.
At a glance Preferred access to golf courses Fantastic views ■ World-class spa ■
There are three very popular restaurants (keep an eye out for the celebrities) and an outdoor sunset bar. The hotel has a busy feel to it and ‘ticks the boxes‘ for golfers.
■
This special hotel is the one you see on the television every year… Either during the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am or the US Open. It runs along the famous 18th fairway and takes in the clubhouse as well. There are 161 bedrooms – smaller than the rooms at The Inn but with fantastic views and an obviously convenient location for the golf course. There are four restaurants, a spa and the resort’s tennis and beach club is a gentle walk away. There’s always a buzz about at The Lodge.
Suggested itinerary
From
To
Seven nights’ room only, golf at Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill, Spanish Bay & Del Monte
£2975
£2975
Single room supplement per night
J
F M A M J
GolfPlanet Holidays bonuses ■
226 USA: California GolfPlanet Holidays
Spyglass Hill ■ Del Monte
F M A M J
J A S O N D
GolfPlanet Holidays bonuses ■ ■
Group deals available for eight or more people Buggies included in all green fees
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on request
J A S O N D
Pebble Beach (on site) ■ The Links at Spanish Bay
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on request
© Joann Dost.
Courses within 30 minutes ■
Single room supplement per night
Group deals available for eight or more people Buggies included in all green fees
© Joann Dost.
Email: info@yourgolfholidays.com GolfPlanet holidays
CREME DE LA CREME © Joann Dost.
LINKS
The Links at Spanish Bay Par 72. 6422 yards. Slope 129. Pacific Ocean views ■ Fun test of golf ■
This is a beautiful golf course situated between the Inn at
CREME DE LA CREME
Spyglass Hill Par 72. 6534 yards. Slope 144. One of the finest courses in the world ■ Clifftop holes ■
This is arguably the best course of the resort and one of the finest in the world.
Tel: 01277 824100 GolfPlanet holidays
Spanish Bay Hotel and the Pacific Ocean.
Pebble Beach Golf Links Par 72. 6348 yards. Slope 137. World class ■ Spectacular views ■
It is quite Scottish-like in its links appearance but the rough is not too penal and the weather is somewhat warmer! The course is sculpted rather than natural but it’s a rather nice, fun test of golf. A very fine complement to an exceptionally strong region for golf.
An iconic golf course, this has several superb and history-filled holes and you come off the golf course with a big grin on your face…Irrelevant of your score!
© Joann Dost.
PARKLAND Every hole is named after a Treasure Island character but this is no fairytale affair. It’s tough, it’s beautiful and it’s brilliant. The understated clubhouse belies the majesty of the design but the clubhouse staff treat you expertly and you’re soon on the way to playing one of the best courses in the world. The first hole cuts through towering pines and then you’re out onto meandering links and forest and heath-like terrain. Every hole is a treat.
Del Monte Par 72. 6365 yards. Slope 127. Great warm-up course ■ Exceptional value ■
The lesser known of the Pebble Beach courses, Del Monte is over 100 years old and actually the
© Joann Dost.
Around the turn and towards the end are our favourite parts of the course as they run along and towards the coast and the views only add to the brilliant design. Overall, the course mixes parkland with links and some of the lesser-known holes are among the most difficult – not least because of the small greens. A must play for any golfer and the service and ambience add the finishing touches.
© Joann Dost.
oldest course west of the Mississippi. The fairways are lined with pine and oak trees and the well-protected greens are on the small side. A very pleasant and perhaps less challenging round at exceptional value.
USA: California 227 GolfPlanet Holidays
CREME DE LA CREME LUXURY
North Course
SPA £££££
Par 72. 6323 yards. Slope 131.
The Resort at Pelican Hill ***** Newport Coast 2
Features “One of the Best Holes in the World” as awarded by GOLF Magazine ■ Ranked as one of the country's top courses ■
At a glance
Courses within 30 minutes
World-class facilities ■ Ocean views ■ A brand new golfing resort
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An impressive, no-expense-spared resort with world-class facilities and a convenient, ocean front location about an hour south of Los Angeles. The resort boasts two championship Faziodesigned courses, a tranquil, refined spa. 204 beautifully appointed “Bungalows”, 128 two, three and four-bedroom villas, all with Pacific Ocean views. Five restaurants offering classic al fresco dining settings. The staff anticipates the every need of each guest and have been brilliantly trained. The resort sits on 504 acres offering expansive views of the Pacific Ocean from every location. The resort accommodations are spacious in everyway, 16ft high ceilings, private terraces, fireplaces, sitting areas, 42 inch flat screen TVs, Bose sound systems, wet bars, Italian linens and lavish bath robes. Public areas include a 136 ft circular “Coliseum Pool” sealed with over one million imported glass tiles surrounded by private luxury cabañas. The Pelican Hill spa boasts 22 treatment rooms
228 USA: California GolfPlanet Holidays
where the lines are true but the pace often catches you out.
A big course in every possible sense. Generous fairways lead to contoured and super-quick greens
The North and South courses of Pelican Hill
offering the ultimate in relaxing treatments and state-of-the-art fitness area and movement studio. The villa guests enjoy the services of a butler and house staff, private villa clubhouse, pool, Jacuzzi and cabañas.
There is a fine mix of holes where you can “force the issue” and holes where you have to think. Every approach shot offers great views and exciting shots and there are a few where you have to swing, keep your head down and pray! A beautiful course with some showstopping holes.
For food, there’s plenty of choice on site or you can get to many beachside brasseries and trendy nightspots within ten minutes’ drive. And for longer drives (and shopping), you can visit Los Angeles or take the magnificent coastal highway down towards San Diego (with golf at Torrey Pines if you fancy). With such a set-up, team and location it won’t take long for Pelican Hill to gain a fabulous reputation. Suggested itinerary
From
To
Seven nights’ room only, golf at Pelican Hill (three times)
£2045
£2250
n/a
n/a
Single room supplement per night
J
F M A M J
J A S O N D
CHAMPIONSHIP
trees, small greens, not too long and very easy on the eye.
South Course Par 71. 6563 yards. Slope 129. Designed by Tom Fazio ■ Sensational Pacific Ocean views ■
GolfPlanet Holidays bonus ■
Book by Mar 31 and receive free American breakfast and a welcome amenity
This course reminds us of the prettiest Algarve courses – tall pine
It’s an ideal loosener after a long flight or when you’re just looking to stretch your legs. Saying that, it’s not easy and you have to have your wits about you in order to score well.
Email: info@yourgolfholidays.com GolfPlanet holidays
ART DE VIVRE
SPA £££££
CordeValle ***** San Martin 3 At a glance Stunning surroundings ■ Trent Jones course ■
A Rosewood resort, this is a true hidden gem only about 90 minutes inland from Pebble Beach and one hour from San Francisco.
Set in stunning, sprawling meadowlands in California’s wine-growing region you are guaranteed tranquillity and beautiful surroundings. It’s also warmer than the coastal resorts. CordeValle is well-known among US golfing connoisseurs and will delight any European who stays and plays there. The resort features a Trent Jones course which he says is the best he’s designed and we can only agree. There are two restaurants and the 45 bedrooms are exceptional – each with large living spaces, great bathrooms and a private terrace. Staff are attentive, helpful and friendly.
CREME DE LA CREME
CordeValle Par 72. 6703 yards. Slope 134. ■
A place to “chill out” and enjoy the scenery but watch out for the bobcats and eagles! Suggested add-on Three nights’ room only, golf at CordeValle (twice) Single room supplement per night
J
Tel: 01277 824100 GolfPlanet holidays
F M A M J
From
To
£875
£1015
n/a
n/a
J A S O N D
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Robert Trent Jones Jr design Wine-tasting by the 7th fairway!
One of the best courses we’ve played and presented brilliantly by Tom Gray, the much-respected, two US Open-hosting Course Superintendent. Each and every hole is shaped perfectly – showing you how to play the hole and where
to put the ball – all you have to do is hit the right shot! The landing areas are quite generous but do make sure you play off the tees suitable for your game as some carries can be daunting. The greens are typical Trent Jones – large, undulating and well-protected and the fairways and trees are perfectly involved in the design. Other attractions to the course are the winetasting by the 7th fairway, the wildlife and the tasty food and chilled drinks in the clubhouse. A rising star.
USA: California 229 GolfPlanet Holidays
What the price includes
Our prices are based on an exchange rate of $1.7/£1. Should the exchange rate decrease or increase, we will quote your holiday at the commercial exchange rate of the day. All our prices are ‘’all-inclusive’’ and there are NO hidden extras. The “From” price is based on mid-week and low season, and the “To” price is based on weekend and high season. The prices include: ■ ■
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
The accommodation and board as detailed Fly-drive via UK – US based on scheduled flights costing £500 per person Four-in-a-large hire car with GPS and all insurances The selection of courses in the example itinerary Taxes and service charges A comprehensive Holiday Information Pack The knowledge and experience of our team ABTA and ATOL bonds so you know your money is safe Past Client benefits depending on your holiday spend
Please contact us on 01277 824100 for the exact price for your preferred holiday dates as prices can vary week-to-week and we may have received a relevant special offer.
The Boulders (page 232).
Arizona The home of true desert golf, warm weather, amazing scenery and 1001 nationalities, Arizona is the best “hot” destination we know. Just a nine-hour flight from the UK, the golf is of a very high standard and truly unique and you’ve got the choice of nightlife and amazing nature. The accommodation covers all the suitable bases and the people and food are the finishing touches to a brilliant golf holiday. Grayhawk Golf Club.
ARIZONA CALIFORNIA
NEW MEXICO
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Troon The Boulders 1 Grayhawk TPC Stadium Phoenix We Ko Pa
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Hotel location Main town Golf Club
230 USA: Arizona GolfPlanet Holidays
4
3
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How to get there 80 miles
MEXICO
5
Here’s a list of the most convenient ways to get to your holiday destination. For further information and the latest news, please call us on 01277 824100 or visit www.yourgolfholidays.com Plane ■ Several UK Airports – Phoenix (101/2 hours)
www.yourgolfholidays.com GolfPlanet holidays
TARGET
Troon North Par 71. 6268 yards. Slope 130. Pretty setting ■ Challenging test of golf ■
Managed by Troon Golf – the “Four Seasons of golf management”, the service is undeniably good and the course
COMFORTABLE
itself is impeccably presented and a fair but challenging test of golf. The fairways vary in width and the rough is typical desert hazards lined by villas a few more metres back – it all makes for a pretty setting. The course is fair because it asks questions of your game and, if you deliver, you’ll be putting for points.
££
Gainey Suites **** Scottsdale 1 At a glance Central location ■ Great value ■
The Gainey Suites offers highquality, freshly-renovated and centrally-located apartments that sleep from three to six people in great comfort. A lot of thought has gone into the presentation and facilities – such as: ■ Free evening drinks and nibbles for guests ■ Well-equipped kitchens ■ Laundry service ■ Location: next to a stylish shopping, brasserie and fitness mall and near good night life ■ A smart communal pool ■ All sorts of room types to satisfy various group sizes.
Tel: 01277 824100 GolfPlanet holidays
And in addition to the facilities, the service is friendly and helpful. If you’re after the convenience and flexibility (and very keen prices!) of self-catering, the Gainey Suites is the best answer in Arizona. Courses within 30 minutes The Boulders Grayhawk ■ Troon ■
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We Ko Pa TPC Stadium
TARGET From
Suggested itinerary
To
Seven nights’ b/b, golf at The Boulders, Grayhawk, TPC Stadium & We Ko Pa £1175 £1745 Single room supplement per night
on request
Grayhawk Par 72. 6593 yards. Slope 137. ■
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F M A M J
GolfPlanet Holidays bonuses ■ ■
A real test of golf
J A S O N D
Buffet breakfast included Free evening drinks and nibbles
With rock-music coming out of ‘rock speakers’ on the putting green and practice ground, this is quite a “hip” place to play.
It’s smoothly-run and, as usual for the courses we’ve selected, in great condition. The course is very good, with a superior mix of “thinking man” holes and very well-protected greens. The back nine is slightly more open than the front nine so there is always a chance to save your card if you’ve taken a few holes to get your game going.
USA: Arizona 231 GolfPlanet Holidays
RESORT
SPA ££££
The Boulders ***** Scottsdale 2 At a glance ■ ■
A world-famous hotel Unique location and ambience
The icon of desert golf, The Boulders is nearly 25 years old and has matured into a superb destination. The Boulders’ well-equipped Casitas sit among the 1300 acres of unsurpassed beauty of the Sonoran Desert and are maintained to a very high level by the resort’s ultra-efficient staff. The three restaurants range from snack to cordon bleu and the two courses are perfect “desert-golf” layouts. However, what makes the Boulders so unique is its surroundings... Spiritual, peaceful and relaxing. As well as the golf, there’s a tennis club, Golden Door Spa, pool and lots of desert activities such as hiking, star gazing and getting some real sunshine in your tired bones.
Courses within 30 minutes The Boulders (on site) Grayhawk ■ Troon ■
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We Ko Pa TPC Stadium
Suggested itinerary
From
To
Seven nights’ room only, golf at Boulders (twice), We Ko Pa, Troon and TPC Stadium
£1395
£2475
Single room supplement per night
J
F M A M J
on request
J A S O N D
One of the most enjoyable destinations in our entire programme.
232 USA: Arizona GolfPlanet Holidays
Email: info@yourgolfholidays.com GolfPlanet holidays
TARGET
Boulders South Par 71. 6246 yards. Slope 140. Spectacular views ■ Variety of holes ■
This is an even better course than the North as it offers a greater
variety of holes and more reasonable landing zones. Beautiful to behold and with countless cacti and boulders and great views to take in, the South gives you a chance to get a few birdies whilst still enjoying desert golf. The greens are quite small by modern standards but they, and the rest of the course, give you no excuses.
TARGET
Boulders North Par 72. 6293 yards. Slope 131. ■ ■
Tight course Stunning set-up
This is a tight course but not very long so take your favourite club off the tee and play sensibly!
Tel: 01277 824100 GolfPlanet holidays
However, the green beckons and it’s a stunning set-up so who cares if you lose a few balls in the quest of birdies?! This is a great holiday course with a manicured look and there is nothing nicer than nipping out for 18 holes as dawn breaks in the desert.
USA: Arizona 233 GolfPlanet Holidays
Photographs of We Ko Po courses: © 2008 Lonna Tucker
TARGET
We Ko Pa Cholla Par 72. 6436 yards. Slope 128. ■ ■
Spectacular views Sensational design
Wow! This is an absolute stunner from the first time you see the course to the post-round glass of wine on the terrace. Not a house (or anything!) in sight except the golf course, the desert and the mountains. Any golf course would be good given the scenery but the design is brilliant too. Wide fairways, penal “rough”, well-placed bunkers and intelligent hole lengths…Priceless.
234 USA: Arizona GolfPlanet Holidays
We Ko Pa Saguaro Par 71. 6252 yards. Slope 124. ■ ■
Detailed design Variety of challenges
Wow and wow again! On the same “golfing estate from Heaven” as the Cholla course, both courses are owned by Native American Indians and they must be delighted at the result. The Saguaro is even better than the Cholla as the design is more detailed and the variety of challenges is even greater. Slightly shorter than its sister course, you do have to think your way around and look at least one shot ahead. This is a must for any golfer who truly loves the game.
CHAMPIONSHIP The course is not particularly long but the holes are good to excellent and there is always “that stadium feel”. Plenty of water hazards provide decisive moments/shots to cherish and the clubhouse, caddies and heritage of the club are the framework to a great golf day.
TPC Stadium Par 71. 6525 yards. Slope 129. ■ ■
Host to the USPGA tour Water, water everywhere...
Host to the USPGA Tour every year, this is an experience to savour.
Email: info@yourgolfholidays.com GolfPlanet holidays
Temperatures & Rainfall Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec ˚C 13 14 18 22 25 29 30 30 27 23 19 14 mm 89 76 114 76 102 152 178 178 135 76 64 76
What the price includes
Our prices are based on an exchange rate of $1.7/£1. Should the exchange rate decrease or increase, we will quote your holiday at the commercial exchange rate of the day. All our prices are ‘’all-inclusive’’ and there are NO hidden extras. The “From” price is based on mid-week and low season, and the “To” price is based on weekend and high season. The prices include: ■ ■
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
The accommodation and board as detailed Fly-drive via UK – US based on scheduled flights costing £500 per person Four-in-a-large hire car with GPS and all insurances The selection of courses in the example itinerary Taxes and service charges A comprehensive Holiday Information Pack The knowledge and experience of our team ABTA and ATOL bonds so you know your money is safe Past Client benefits depending on your holiday spend
Sea Island Plantation course (page 237).
Georgia & South Carolina Georgia Good ‘ole Southern hospitality, warm weather and spectacular scenery and nature. Georgia will always be “on your mind” once you’ve been there. The next state up from Florida, it is vastly different from the bright lights and man-made tourist attractions of the Sunshine State, for Georgia is unspoilt, very laid back and beautiful. It is also home to the Number 1 Golf Resort in the USA…Read on or call us for the low down on Sea Island.
Please contact us on 01277 824100 for the exact price for your preferred holiday dates as prices can vary week-to-week and we may have received a relevant special offer.
How to get there Here’s a list of the most convenient ways to get to your holiday destination. For further information and the latest news, please call us on 01277 824100 or visit www.yourgolfholidays.com Plane ■ Several UK Airports – Charlotte, Atlanta or Orlando (61/2 hours)
South Carolina Famous the world-over for its quantity and quality of golf, South Carolina also treats you with good food and perfect golfing weather. Fly into Atlanta or Charlotte (eight hour flight) and it’s a fascinating four-hour drive to Kiawah Island that sets you up nicely for the holiday ahead.
NORTH CAROLINA
TENNESSEE
Atlanta
Charlotte
SOUTH CAROLINA
Charleston
GEORGIA
2
ALABAMA
Kiawah Island Atlantic Ocean
South Carolina is a very pretty and friendly part of the east of the USA – beautiful white beaches, untouched lakes and rivers and grand old towns such as Charleston and Savannah combine to make South Carolina ideal for relaxing, golfing “like crazy”, exploring or having a great party.
1
Sea Island
FLORIDA
Sea Island and Kiawah are only two hours apart so they make for a great two-centre combination. As always, we tailor-make to suit your ideal requirements.
100 miles Hotel location Main town Golf Club
G
Tel: 01277 824100 GolfPlanet holidays
USA: Georgia & South Carolina 235 GolfPlanet Holidays
LUXURY
SPA £££££
Sea Island Resorts ***** Sea Island 1 At a glance ■
World class
With two beautiful hotels (The Lodge and The Cloister), villas, and cottages for rent, three sensational courses, a beach club, equestrian centre, miles of private beach, “gated community” assurance, one of the finest restaurants in the USA, and sublime service, Sea Island is deservedly ranked No.1 Golf Resort in North America.
The Cloister is a grand affair and the focal point of the actual resort. It has 175 guest rooms and suites – all beautifully furnished with wood and white linens and the latest in gadgets. There are three restaurants in the hotel, including the Georgian Room, one of only 17 restaurants in North America with the Mobil Five-Star Award. Within a very short walk, you have the excellent spa, professional tennis club and the outstanding Beach Club and beyond that you’ve got the resort launch for river cruises and there’s also fishing and shooting by the river. It’s got everything a “man with everything” could wish for!
It will delight even the most discerning client and its distinctive ambience will want you coming back for more. For 80 years, Sea Island has been quietly building its reputation and the all-new Cloister Hotel and Beach Club, as well as the updated leisure facilities, bring it to the attention of new groups of fans.
The Lodge, under ten minutes’ drive away, is in the heart of all three courses and looks out toward the Atlantic Ocean. It’s got a “clubby” atmosphere with oak-panelling and fine dining mixed in very nicely with a relaxed ambience. The 40 bedrooms and suites are perfect – spacious and with all the mod-cons and a lot of elegance.
And the golf…Seaside is outstanding in every respect and vies for being my favourite course – anywhere. Plantation is a delight with several gorgeous holes and Retreat, designed by local boy, Davis Love III, offers target-golf supreme.
For longer stays or when you need even more space, we can organise a Sea Island cottage or villa – this is self-catering in style or you can pop along to the Beach Club or The Cloister for breakfast to start the day. Many cottages and villas have a private pool and they are a
236 USA: Georgia & South Carolina GolfPlanet Holidays
great way to enjoy Sea Island Resorts at very attractive rates. And talking about rates, Sea Island is not a cheap destination in any sense of the word but the value it offers is unmistakable. A fabulous resort for any age and length of stay. Courses within 30 minutes ■ ■
Seaside Retreat
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Plantation
Suggested itinerary
From
To
Seven nights’ room only, golf at Seaside, Plantation & Retreat
£2195
£2650
Single room supplement per night
J
F M A M J
on request
J A S O N D
www.yourgolfholidays.com GolfPlanet holidays
PARKLAND
Plantation Par 72. 6326 yards. Slope 130. Tree-lined fairways ■ Excellent holiday course ■
This is slightly longer than
Par 70. 6323 yards. Slope 133. ■ ■
Well-presented course Excellent conditions
This takes the mantle of being the best-presented course we’ve ever seen…Amazing. Hole after hole is a delight of perfect design and condition and the river views and whispering grasses and marshes are a magnificent frame for a golf course.
Tel: 01277 824100 GolfPlanet holidays
It’s a super holiday course with a little bite and some real beauties towards the end. Get on the last hole in two and you might as well turn Pro (or at least toast yourself with a wellearned beer).
Retreat
CREME DE LA CREME
Seaside
Seaside and features tree-lined fairways and small, raised greens.
The layout starts off in the woodland near the clubhouse where a couple of Par-fours warm you up for the challenge ahead. A long Parthree gives you a preview and then it’s all action with every hole featuring all sorts of hazards but, as with every fine golf course, the hazards are only there if you hit a bad shot and should, when you are playing well, just be part of the picture. The holes around the turn deserve special mention as do the last few. In fact, it’s a brilliant round of golf.
Par 72. 6318 yards. Slope 124. ■ ■
Designed by Davis Love III Inland course
Designed by ‘local boy’ Davis Love III, Retreat has several spectacular holes and, instead of the breezes that affect Seaside and Plantation, this inland course features a lot of water and large, undulating greens. You can hit it hard on this course and get away with “iffy” swings but poor shots to the greens will be penalised.
TARGET A good addition to Sea Island Resorts and it’s rare that three courses so close together are so different in character and yet still all very good.
USA: Georgia & South Carolina 237 GolfPlanet Holidays
of Charleston…Under an hour away and a fascinating insight into the development of the USA as one nation and the abolishment of slavery. Charleston is excellent by day and brilliant, with its fine-dining and bars, by night. Courses within 30 minutes Ocean Course Osprey Point ■ Cougar Point ■
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Turtle Point Oak Point
Suggested itinerary
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Seven nights’ room only, golf at Ocean Course, Osprey Point, Turtle Point, Oak Point & Cougar Point £1675
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Suggested itinerary
RESORT
SPA ££££
Winner of the IAGTO 2005 Golf Resort of the World (Rest of the World) award ■ Sensational facilities and friendly service ■
This is a world-class golf resort and much more besides. There’s a superb hotel on the Atlantic Beach, an impressive spa, a top tennis academy, perfect villas for rent and plenty of shops and restaurants…All wrapped up into a “gated community” where everyone is relaxed and having fun. And of course, Kiawah Island is the scene of the famous 1991 “War by the Shore” Ryder Cup.
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We also have a high-quality choice of apartments and villas to choose from so if you want even more space or a little more flexibility, the villas are ideal and save a fair amount of money. The apartments are still quite spacious and decent and are a steal. Please ask for details. Lastly, Kiawah Island fits very nicely with a two-night add-on in the historic and lively city
CREME DE LA CREME
Ocean Course
beautiful, there are several challenges on every hole and, off the back or even the middle tees, it’s long.
Par 72. 6744 yards. Slope 139. ■
The Sanctuary is a five-star hotel with 255 top bedrooms – all but 18 of which look out onto the beach. The hotel has two restaurants – a fine dining experience and a superb brasserie. Breakfast is ideal and there’s even an icecream parlour should you fancy a treat. The three restaurants, Piano Bar and terrace are very classy and there’s a quality choice of boutiques too. A very elegant and welcoming affair.
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Seven nights’ self-catering in a two-bedroom Scenic Deluxe Villa, golf at Ocean Course, Osprey Point, Turtle Point, Oak Point & Cougar Point £1245 Single room supplement per night
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort ***** Charleston 2 At a glance
on request
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1991 ‘War on the shore’ Ryder Cup venue World Top 100 course
The Ocean Course is deservedly rated in the World Top 100 and has hosted no fewer than five USPGA Tournaments and is also the venue of the 2012 US PGA Championship.
Our advice is to swallow your pride, play off the forward tees and take a hip flask for your nerves! What a course. The front nine is a little inland but the waste bunkers and thin greens offer little hope. The back nine is a true links layout with narrower fairways, smaller bunkers and larger greens. Play Matchplay, listen to your caddie and just have fun. A great golfing experience.
It’s tough but well worth the ego-bashing. It’s
Email: info@yourgolfholidays.com GolfPlanet holidays
Oak Point Par 72. 6450 yards. Slope 135. ■ ■
Abundance of wildlife Terrific value
Located about ten minutes’ drive from the resort gates (complimentary transfers), Oak Point deserves to be far more played than it is. It’s a lovely, quite British (apart from the gatorfilled ponds and lakes!) course with rolling fairways, tall oaks and smallish greens.
LINKS
Turtle Point Par 72. 6503 yards. Slope 136. ■ ■
A top-class layout Excellent Clubhouse
Designed by Jack Nicklaus, Turtle Point is a favourite of better players (who’ve had enough punishment on the Ocean Course!)
With narrow fairway corridors, small greens and strategically-placed water hazards, the course calls for intelligent play. It’s quite long too so a decent short game is needed when your woods let you down. The best “play” is to read the hole’s design and hit to the right landing areas to get the best angles into the greens.
Built on a former tomato and indigo plantation and overlooking the Kiawah River and Haulover Creek, there is an abundance of wildlife to enjoy so remember your camera. The ability to put the ball on the right side of the fairway is very important at Oak Point. It’s a friendly round of golf at terrific value so include a couple of rounds here to keep your holiday within budget. The simple clubhouse is a delight and you can
PARKLAND enjoy the grill or just sup a beer on the creekview terrace.
Our favourite holes are on the back nine – particularly the stretch along the ocean. The clubhouse is super and the hearty food ideal for a post-round “game analysis”.
Osprey Point Par 72. 6502 yards. Slope 133. ■ ■
Several daunting holes Very pretty
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Originally designed as a membersonly course, any decent golfer can now enjoy this low-country gem.
Cougar Point Par 72. 6503 yards. Slope 127.
The elegant clubhouse is one of the finest in the region and we consider the design to be No.2 after the Ocean Course. Osprey is very pretty, involves some quite frightening drives and offers a great variety of design taking in natural lakes, saltwater marsh, thick forest and beautiful flora. Off the back tees, some of the tee-shots – even on the Par three’s – are mouth-wateringly nerve-wracking but you come off the course, whatever your result, with a smile.
Tel: 01277 824100 GolfPlanet holidays
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Designed by Gary Player Well-protected greens
Designed by Gary Player, this is a super course with attractive propositions lined up on every hole – driver or play safe, over the water or around it, go for the flag or just the green?... TARGET
The Par-fours are where you make or break your card as some are short and “birdieable” and others are very tough. The Par-fives are generally quite generous once you’ve got a good drive away but the Par-threes are where you can walk away with no points as the greens are usually raised and very wellprotected. As with all the courses at Kiawah Island, Cougar Point was recently awarded a nearperfect score in Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play” readers’ poll. We’re great fans of Gary Player courses and this one lives up to his high standards.
USA: Georgia & South Carolina 239 GolfPlanet Holidays