Alabama Named One of the Top Emerging Golf Destinations

By Staff Reports

Birmingham, Alabama - 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.

November 30, 2000