Golf Vacations

My Turn

- by Chris and Heather Boothman

What better way to begin a vacation than by planning a golf vacation to Gulf Shores, Alabama. Every year I tell myself I will play more golf – and the Alabama Gulf Coast tops my list. You may be wondering what makes Gulf Shores so special and why it is any different from other golf destinatio­ns. Let’s take a look at five things that set Gulf Shores golf apart. Gorgeous Golf Courses Whether you are heading over to the worldclass golf resort at Kiva Dunes or the 27-hole spectacula­r complex at The Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club, you can be assured Gulf Shores is home to myriad golf links unlike anywhere else we have experience­d. Not only are these high-quality courses that will test every level of golfer, they are affordable, in pristine condition and, most importantl­y, they will inspire you to keep wanting to come back to play more. Both Kiva Dunes and Peninsula epitomize the beauty along the Gulf Coast. For those of you who want to challenge yourself even further, head over to Craft Farms to experience courses designed by the one and only Arnold Palmer. It’s fair to say that if “The King” approved of the Alabama Gulf Coast for avid golfers, this is a good enough reason on its own to justify a visit! Great Weather All Year The Alabama Gulf Coast is a great yearround golfing destinatio­n. With a minimum average temperatur­e in the mid-50s during the winter, you can enjoy the immaculate golf courses throughout the year. Grab your sweater and hit the links to start your golfing season in Gulf Shores.

Improve Your Golfing Skills

Guy’s Golf WeekendAre you ready to start fine-tuning your swing? Or perhaps you are just starting out and want to hit the links with some top tips? Head over to the pro shops at any of the golf courses in Gulf Shores and ask about scheduling an individual lesson – or perhaps a group lesson if you are enjoying an ultimate mancation! Prefer to remain self-taught? For as low as $15, you can start improving your technique and begin mastering the very best courses in Gulf Shores. Kiva Dunes and Peninsula Golf Club are home to great practice areas with a driving range, chipping green and perfect putting surface to help you succeed.

It’s More Than Just Golf

The beauty of visiting the Alabama Gulf Coast is that it’s more than just about the golfing Big Beach Brewing Companyexp­erience. Yes, you could easily spend your whole golfing trip hitting the best courses along this stretch of coast, but what about all the other attraction­s and experience­s you will want to enjoy? When you’re ready to relax on the beach, the 32 miles of pristine white sands will always be a welcome option. After a long day on the course, head over to Big Beach Brewing Company to sample a flight of the very best craft brews on the Gulf Coast. When you hear that all the beers on tap are made in-house and the company is owned by a Gulf Coast family, you know you are visiting a place that is passionate about producing quality brews. If you are visiting on the weekend, you’ll enjoy the bonus of relaxing to live music.

Family Golfing Getaway

Long gone are the days when golf was just for a select group of individual­s. Now the whole family can enjoy the sport. Gulf Shores certainly embraces this and encourages everyone to pick up their clubs and hit the links. Glen Lakes FootgolfEv­en if golf isn’t really your thing, there is a new sport becoming increasing­ly popular: FootGolf. A combinatio­n of soccer and golf, this is a great way for everyone to get on the golf course. Gulf Shores is the ultimate paradise for the golfers in your life. I hope you are now convinced that this is the best spot for your next golfing getaway. I know I am, and I cannot wait to start my golf season along the Gulf Coast this year! Chris and Heather Boothman are the co-founders and editors of A Brit

and A Southerner, a travel blog devoted to sharing their experience­s around the world. Focused on “exploring the world one weekend at a time,” Chris and Heather are part-time travelers hoping to inspire others to realize their dreams even with a 8-5 job.

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