In today’s Monday Mulligan we are going to offer some holiday golf getaways, places you can take your junior golfer and the rest of your family and have a great time.
Exotic Locales: these would include places involving airfare and resort-type scenarios. There are always bargains on travel. It takes patience and knowing what you are seeking. Here’s a real-life example. Linda and I recently spent some time at the Jewel Runaway Bay Resort in Jamaica. We bought the golf package and upgraded to a junior suite with private pool. The folks at this resort were all wonderful with a smile on their face and nothing was ever an issue. I really don’t know how we could have had a more enjoyable time! The golf course was middle to upper-middle caliber, not TPC quality but had full grass coverage and the greens rolled true and the scenery was beautiful. And no crowds on the golf course, excellent pace of play! The food was great, the accommodations were great, the people were great and the golf was great, what more is there to say? Another advantage to this Jamaican resort is our total time in the air was 3 hours and 35 minutes. San Antonio to Houston Hobby and Hobby to Montego Bay, Jamaica. Physically, it’s an easy trip. And it’s not all that costly. Watch for deals on airfare and sign up for the Jewel Resorts email alerts, which offer very inexpensive packages.
Driveable Resorts: these would put drive time in the equation instead of airfare. There are offers coming in every day from various resorts including TPCs from California to Florida. Prices are all over the place with the TPC Resorts usually being at the high end, but you get PGA Tour quality golf courses. The hotel chains have some amazing golf resorts as well. SPG, now owned by Marriott, has some beautiful golf resorts and of course Marriott has hotels at the TPC sites. Then Salamander Resorts has Hammock Beach and a couple of additional Florida/Southeast US golf venues. Plenty of great options, how far are you willing to drive? (image ship sticks TPC)
And weekend/day trip outings: if time and budget are limited, find the best or most unique golf options within a day’s driving distance a make a reservation. Choices might include highly-rated golf courses that your kiddo has never played. New, as in not having previously played courses, are always exciting! Or find your closest Top Golf and spend some time there. It is a different and fun experience, a nice break from the playing/hitting balls regimen.
So take a look at your schedule and budget and see what makes sense. These suggestions are ways to keep your young golfer involved and excited about the sport during a time when it’s easy to slack off. And the whole family can find something to do at every one of these locations.
See you on #1 tee looking resort-refreshed… Sam
Parenting Junior Golfers... 