Brandon TuckerThis Week at TravelGolf.com: March 12, 2009

Costa Del Sol, Spain: Great for golf, but tough to keep your eye on the ball

For a country that takes such pride in the traditional afternoon siesta, visitors to Spain may feel awash with regret for every daylight minute spent in bed on their golf vacation.

Spain's top golf destination (and arguably continental Europe's best as well), the Costa Del Sol on the country's southern coast serves up not only scores of resort golf courses along about 150 kilometers of mountainous coastline, but a wealth of stylish accommodations, a tapas bar for every taste, and postcard historic towns and sunrises - not to mention nightlife that may have you pushing back your morning tee time a few hours.

There's just not enough time in a day around here, which might explain why dinner isn't even an option until after 8 p.m. at many restaurants.

There's a golf vacation package for every budget here too. A week's stay-and-play can be had for $500 a pop (or $1,500) and the region's top golf courses stack up with any stretch of coastline out there.

The only real internationally distinguished golf club here is a doozy: former Ryder Cup host Valderrama Golf Club (which offers limited daily public play), set stately amongst a forest of cork trees.

Valderrama won't be the coast's only golf club on a golfer's international checklist for long, however.

About 16 kilometers down the A7 coastal route is the new Finca Cortesin, set to host the Volvo World Match Play Championships the next three years. Then add San Roque's Old Course, Almanara and the new La Reserva courses for a week's worth of top flight golf.

But at least a few days should be spent off course, exploring charming, historic cities such as Malaga, Marbella or Ronda, heading out to the Rock of Gibraltar, or going on a tapas-, wine- or sherry-tasting tour.

Ditching the sticks for a few days isn't a slight to the quality of golf in the region. Rather, it's a tip of the sombrero to the region's historic and authentic attractions. Spain's many traditions demand to be consumed.

All of them perhaps, except the siesta.

As always, TravelGolf.com welcomes your comments.


Buy 2 Nights and get 2 Nights FREE at the Fairmont Scottsdale

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Golf Special Dates: March 1, 2009 - December 31, 2009

Enjoy 4 nights stay at Fairmont Scottsdale and play 4 rounds of golf choosing from Grayhawk Raptor/Talon, Wildfire Faldo/ Palmer, Eagle Mountain, We Ko Pa Cholla/Saguaro, must be booked by March 31, CALL US for a customized quote.
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Old Course at St. Andrews - Hole 18Column: Check out The Planet Putter's list of international golf travel tips

As the Planet Putter, it is my duty to make scores of embarrassing travel gaffes while in transit for my readers' amusement and education. But after getting shamed, ripped off, lost, nearly killed, etc., here's my (ever-growing) list of travel tips, should you plan on playing passport golf.

Also: A bonny time for Scotland golf


Playboy Golf Scramble - Brody JennerFrom Las Vegas to L.A., Playboy Golf Scramble is the game's sexiest event

For guys who don't eat quiche (and maybe some who do), the ninth annual Playboy Golf Scramble Finals is the ultimate golf party - not because of the golf, but because of the company they get to keep. Where else do you not only get to play golf, eat, drink and mingle with celebrities, athletes and some of the sexiest women in the world?

Also: Need help planning a Vegas golf trip?


The Ultimate Golf Week

The Ultimate Golf Week Package in Palm SpringsDates: December 25, 2008 - May 31, 2009

Stay 7 nights at the Homewood Suites and play 6 incredible rounds of golf at Indian Wells Players Course & Celebrity Course, PGA West Stadium, Silver Rock, PGA West Norman, and The Classic Club, starting from $1493.
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For more information, please call 1-800-767-3574 or click here.


Sanctuary Hotel at Kiawah Island Golf ResortKiawah Island Golf Resort remains a Carolina Lowcountry highlight

Perhaps no other golf resort in the country has grown more spectacular in the past five years, and done it more thoughtfully, than the Kiawah Island Golf Resort off the coast of South Carolina. In the race to add amenities, some resorts lose touch with their surroundings, looking like manufactured playgrounds. Thoughtful, cautious development has always set Kiawah apart.

Also: Top-rated Carolina golf vacations


Oyster Bay Golf Links - Hole 17Myrtle Beach-areas's Oyster Bay Golf Links dazzles the eye, frustrates putters

If you're a sun-starved, land-locked Northerner headed down to Myrtle Beach and want to be smothered in postcard-worthy golf holes, Oyster Bay Golf Links is a more than worthy selection. It's got island greens, lakes, marshes and plenty of gators. Some of the holes will have you standing on the tee for a moment and marveling.

Also: Oyster Bay Golf Links photo gallery


CLIENT FEATURE

Bear Mountain Golf ResortSpotlight on Vancouver Island's golf

Boasting some of the best golf courses in British Columbia, nothing beats the Vancouver Island Golf Trail. And Golf Vancouver Island provides everything you could need for your trip. From airfares and ferry reservations to tee times, hotels and even après golf activities, we take care of it all!

Also: Plan your Vancouver Island golf trip