The acclaimed PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida is offering golf enthusiasts a chance to play its legendary “Champion” golf course, designed by Jack Nicklaus and home to the Honda Classic tournament. The resort’s “Champion Stay and Play” package includes deluxe accommodations (with a terrace or balcony), and one round per adult per day on “The Champion” course. The rate, good from October 1 to December 31 is $315 per person per day, based on two people sharing a room. If you’d be just as happy playing one of the resort’s other three courses, the rate drops to $227 per person per day.

In addition to golf, facilities at the PGA National Resort, opened in 1981, include a European spa, muliple swimming pools, seven restaurants and lounges, and a health and raquet club. For more information and/or to make reservations, visit the resort’s Web site.

^{(photo © Newscom)}

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One of Florida’s most beautiful golf resorts is more affordable this spring and summer, thanks to a special the PGA National Golf Resort is running to highlight their recently-completed renovation project.

Their “Unlimited Family Fun Fore All” package is $99 per adult per night (based on double occupancy) and includes:

• Accommodations
• Unlimited golf for adults on the Haig, Squire or Estate golf courses
• Unlimited range balls
• Breakfast for two adults per day
• 2 Cubs Club half-day morning sessions per day
• One golf clinic per stay
• Kids under 12 golf free with an adult after 2 pm

In addition, kids under 12 eat half price and package participants recieve a 20 percent discount on resort spa services.

The special is valid for travel from now until September 30. Prepayment is required in order to qualify for the $99 rate. A two night minimum is required and the package does not include taxes or gratuity.

For more information on the PGA National Golf Resort and the “Unlimited Family Fun Fore All” package, see the resort’s Web site.

^{(photo © Newscom)}

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Marriott-managed golf courses include:

• Stone Mountain Golf Course in Stone Mountain, Georgia
• Doral Golf Resort and Spa in Miami
• Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Jupiter, Florida
• The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando.

Learn more about Marriott’s commitment to green management in this video:

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Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

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Wild Dunes, located in Charleston, South Carolina, has always been a favorite of golfers looking to combine challenging golf with a scenic, oceanfront setting. New to the resort for spring is a collection of condominium-style Wild Dunes Village accommodations with views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Intercoatal Waterway as well as modern touches, such as flat screen television sets and complimentary, high-speed Internet service–even valet parking.

Of course, golfers will be drawn to the two Tom Fazio-designed eighteen hole courses. Off of the course, there are miles of biking and hiking trails, a nationally-ranked tennis center, and uncrowded beaches.

To learn more about Wild Dunes and their new Village accommodations, visit the resort’s Web site.

^{(photo of Wild Dunes courtesy of Leonardo.com and Wild Dunes Resort)}

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If you are in the majority of the country that’s been struggling with freezing temperatures the last few weeks, it’s time to plan–or at least daydream about–a spring golf vacation. To get you in the mood, here are my choices for the top ten spring golf destinations:

1. Bermuda. Bermuda, located 640 miles off the coast of coast of North Carolina offers balmy weather; British style, tea, and shopping; and the highest concentration of golf courses in the world (including the Mid Ocean Club course, pictured above).

2. Augusta. More of a pilgrimage than a getaway, traveling to Augusta, Georgia to watch the Masters Tournament in April is something that every golfer should do at least once in his or her life.

3. Las Vegas. Las Vegas is exciting any time of year, but spring is perfect for golfers–the crowds are light and the oppressive heat of the summer has yet to set in. The area boasts over two dozen courses.

4. Myrtle Beach. Springtime is synonymous with golf in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The area surrounding this coastal resort town features dozens of golf courses, most of which are surprisingly affordable.

5. Spain’s Costa del Sol. The southern coast of Spain combines sand beaches, dramatic coastal views, and a variety of golf resorts. From Malaga to Sotogrande, the area offers challenging golf and a chance to explore another culture.

6. Williamsburg Virginia. Colonial Williamsburg features three legendary courses, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and Rees Jones. The Tidewater area of Virginia starts warming up in April. You can even stay in an authentic, restored 18th century house.

7. San Diego. San Diego is beautiful year-round and spring is no exception. The area features championship courses, like Torrey Pines and La Costa, as well as well-manicured public courses, all graced with that spectacular southern California sunshine.

8. Hilton Head. The exclusive resort enclave of Hilton Head South Carolina offers a more upscale–and more expensive–Carolina golf experience than does Myrtle Beach. With courses like Palmetto Dunes and Sea Pines is it any wonder Golf Digest ranks the island as one of the top golf destinations in the world?

9. Northern California. Northern California’s craggy coastline boasts a score or more of notable golf courses, from signature courses like Pebble Beach to resort courses like the one at Napa’s Meadowood Resort. After golf, you can explore the area’s wineries, many fine restaurants, and the spas at Calistoga.

10. San Antonio. The home of the Alamo is also home to a scenic collection of private and public courses. The average high temperature in April is 80 °, ideal for a round or two of golf.

Have I skipped over your favorite spring golf destination? Leave a comment below and share your choice with Green Posse readers.

^{(photo credit: istockphoto)}

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…Mickey Mouse, that is.

Did you know that the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida boasts four championship golf courses, including the Magnolia championship course (pictured above)? Yes, it’s a little chilly in Orlando this week, but the weather should be perfect for hitting the links in less than a month.

The Disney Web site lets you take a virtual walk-through of the four courses as well as reserve your tee times online. Greens fees start at $119 for Disney resort guests and $129 for non-guests. This includes cart rental and pre-round practice balls.

^{(photo credit: Michael Simmons/cc license)}

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It’s not too late to start planning a trip to the Master’s Tournament in Augusta, Georgia April 10-13, but you’d better hurry. Tickets to the event are sold out via the August National Course, but can still be found from ticket brokers, such as TicketsNow. For less expensive tickets and a more casual event, consider attending one of the practice sessions, April 7-9. Accommodations are available via the Augusta Convention and Visitors Bureau Web site.

The Masters Tournament, begun in 1934 by golf great Bobby Jones, is one of golf’s four majors. It’s also a lovely place to visit in April, with balmy weather and flowering trees just starting to blossom.

^{(photo credit © simonds/cc license)}

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