American travelers visiting popular golf vacation destinations in Ireland, Scotland and the rest of the UK may be in for a shock this summer as the weak US Dollar has sent the price of these overseas golf vacations soaring to as much as $400-$500 per round.
However, for those seeking a British Isles experience at Myrtle Beach prices, the May 2008 issue of Golf Odyssey, The Insider’s Guide to Sophisticated Golf Travel, recommends mid-Wales, where green fees at some of the best golf courses cost less than $70 USD.
Because of superior golf courses, most golf vacations to Wales, which will become the epicentre of the golf world when it hosts the Ryder Cup in 2010, are usually taken to the North and South regions, but Golf Odyssey’s editors, who always travel incognito, found mid-Wales to be “unforgettably beautiful,” with tee times readily available and superb hospitality.
Furthermore, those seeking family golf vacations may find mid-Wales particularly appealing, as its golf courses are consistently shorter than average and thus more manageable for women, kids, and seniors. Top-notch accommodations are available, too, including Llandgoed Hall, whose proprietor, Sir Bernard Ashley, is the husband of the late Laura Ashley.
“Our Mid-Wales report is a prime example of why Golf Odyssey readers are the most well-informed golf travelers on the planet,” said David Baum, editor and publisher of the advertising-free golf travel newsletter now in its 17th year. “Not only do we provide unbiased reviews of the world’s most popular golf vacation destinations, we also ferret out the up-and-coming hotspots and places where there are incredible values.”
The May 2008 issue of Golf Odyssey also includes a golf vacation intelligence report about Santa Barbara, California. While more famous for its pinot noirs and laidback California lifestyle, Santa Barbara is also home to several fine public-access golf courses and the brilliant, but exclusively private, Valley Club of Montecito. Golf Odyssey’s editors were particularly impressed with La Purisima, a largely undiscovered course located in northern Santa Barbara County. Hilly, long, tough, and a great value, it was the highest rated of the four Santa Barbara golf courses reviewed in the May issue. Also reviewed by way of anonymous site inspections were: the Four Seasons Resort, The Biltmore Santa Barbara and Bacara Resort & Spa, and several top restaurants known primarily to locals.
With an eye toward readers who may enjoy traveling with their pets, the May issue of Golf Odyssey also includes a detailed review of Daufuskie Island Resort & Breathe Spa, located just off Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. One of the few East Coast golf resorts that welcomes pets, Daufuskie Island was full of surprises, both positive and negative.
Finally, Golf Odyssey readers are also treated to a preview of Tetherow, a new Bend, Oregon golf course designed by David McLay Kidd. While private, readers of Golf Odyssey’s May 2008 issue learn how they can access the latest big-name course to open in Oregon since Bandon Trails opened at the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort. Golf Odyssey readers are also told how they can play Firestone Country Club, another private club hosting the World Golf Championships in August.
For a review copy of Golf Odyssey’s May 2008 issue, or to arrange an interview with golf vacation expert David Baum, email denise@golfodyssey.com, call 800-550-2286, or visit: www.GolfOdyssey.com