 Alabama
Named One
of the Top Emerging
Golf Destinations
TravelGolf.com
Staff Report
Birmingham, Alabama (Nov. 30, 2000) - It was only a matter
of time before Alabama received international recognition as a premiere
golf destination. From the mountains of North Alabama to the emerald
waters of the Gulf Coast, Alabama's championship golf attracts tourists
from around the world.
The International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) recently
nominated Alabama as one of the top 10 emerging golf destinations in the
world. The state joins Costa Brava (Spain), Dubai, Malaysia, Nevada, Provence
(France), South Africa, Thailand, Turkey and Virginia.
The nomination was based on the following: customer satisfaction, support
from suppliers, support from tourist boards, support from airlines, professional
conduct of suppliers, quality of golf and accommodations and accessibility
to tee times, as voted on by IAGTO's 95 golf tour operators from 21 different
countries.
Mark Berson, director for the Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel,
said the nomination is an honor. "I've seen a lot of golf,"
he said. "And I can honestly say that I have never seen any finer
courses."
Berson said the reason Alabama has become such a golfer's destination
is that the courses were designed by the industry's most well-known and
well-respected golf architects. Some of the course designers include Robert
Trent Jones, Arnold Palmer, Larry Nelson and Jerry Pate.
"In Alabama, you can play golf at some of the most beautiful courses
in the world without being a member," Berson said. "With reasonable
pricing and numerous golf courses throughout the state, it's no wonder
Alabama is turning some heads as an emerging golf destination."
One of Alabama's best-known golf attractions includes the Robert Trent
Jones Golf Trail, 27 gorgeous courses in eight locations across the state.
The Gulf Shores Golf Association consists of seven resorts and 10 courses,
all within minutes of Alabama'ss white sandy beaches.
The distinction of being considered a great golf destination is not
new. Third-party endorsements from major players in the industry reinforce
what Alabamians have known for years. Golf Magazine said "Alabama
has the American golfer's equivalent of Disney World."
The New York Times said "the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail has
endowed the state with (27) of the best and most affordable courses
in the country." Senior Golfer Magazine said "Alabama'ss
galaxy of great courses will change your image of public golf forever."
"It's hard to argue
with those complimentary comments," Berson said. "It's no joke.
Alabama truly is a golf destination. But most people won't believe it
until they see it. I guess that's why Alabama has been nominated by IAGTO
as one of the top 10 emerging golf destinations in the world."
Berson said that in no time, Alabama will be considered one of the top
10 golf destinations in the world. "Get ready to take the 'emerging'
part off of it," he said. "People are learning about Alabama's
great golf and they're taking note. Try it for yourself. You'll be convinced."
IAGTO will award the top emerging golf destination in the world at its
inaugural ceremony in Jacksonville, Fla., on Dec. 11, 2000.
Highlighted by the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail and the Gulf Shores
Golf Association, Alabama is home to more than 140 golf courses across
the state. To learn more or to receive an Alabama Golf Guide, call 1-800-ALABAMA.
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