(GULF SHORES, ALABAMA) – The arrival of winter doesn’t mean golfers in northern climates must stow their equipment until spring. In fact, golfers are encouraged to escape Nor’easters and lake-effect snow with a snowbird vacation to Gulf Shores, Alabama – a 32-mile stretch of Gulf Coast beach that offers mild off-season temperatures.
Rates starting as low as $70 per golfer, per night (based on a group of four) for room and golf on any of nine golf courses, and stays in a wealth of condos and hotels with great views, are just a few reasons why Gulf Shores was named a Top 10 Best Winter Retreat by Yahoo Travel.
“The Gulf Coast’s winter weather is very pleasant, especially for folks who otherwise would be shoveling snow in bitter wind chills,” said Duncan Millar, executive director of Golf Gulf Shores. “The attractive rates on our nine courses, great food and beverage options and a host of area activities make Gulf Shores the perfect winter golf destination.”
Here’s a list of winter to-do activities in Gulf Shores to combine with great golf:
Go Fish: Winter is perfect for Bull Redfish and charters will continue daily in Gulf Shores. Jump on an early-morning charter and be on the links by afternoon.
Eat Local: Royal Reds – deep-water, locally caught Gulf shrimp that are sweet and tasty – are the favorite in Gulf Shores. If you’re visiting for a few days, try Live Bait 2 at the Wharf to find a sample. Staying longer? Try Blalock’s Fish Market and cook them in the condo. Several other restaurants offer a bounty of fresh seafood daily on the waterfront.
Shop for Deals: Golf couples can finish Christmas shopping at Foley and Tanger outlets -popular areas for deals and specials. Gulf Shores also prides itself on local boutiques and galleries, including the must-see Orange County Art Center, which has artists in residence.
Scenic Drives: Driving along the water’s edge is fun, but don’t miss the 10-mile slow drive through the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. The slower time and smaller number of tourists returns this ecosystem back to life in the winter.
Pub Crawl: There are plenty of bars and restaurants in Gulf Shores. Start your trek at Lulu’s. The sister of Jimmy Buffett, she’s been serving local favorites in a fun atmosphere for years.
Other great winter activities to blend with Gulf Shores golf include the Blue Angels Homecoming on Nov. 11-12; the New Year’s Day Polar Bear Dip; visiting historic Fort Morgan, which celebrates its 151st anniversary on Jan. 29, 2012; and the nightlife, including The Wharf’s 10-hour happy hour.
Check out the below “starting-at” package prices for family, buddy trip and couples getaways – including all taxes and fees – from a few of Golf Gulf Shores’ accommodation partners. Each is valid from Nov. 7 through Feb. 26, 2012.
Family Golf and Gulf Trip: 2 Bedroom Gulf Front Condominium
Starting-at Rate: $82.38 per person per night for golf and room
Description: Starting-at rate based on 4 people staying in a two-bedroom condominium with Gulf Coast views, with one king bed, two twin beds and a sleeper sofa.
Buddy Trip: 2 Bedroom Golf Course Condominium
Starting-at Rate: $73.31 per person per night for golf and room
Description: Starting-at rate based on 4 people staying in a two-bedroom condominium with golf course views and four queen beds.
Couples Golf Getaway: Double Queen Hotel Room
Starting-at Rate: $81.00 per person per night for golf and room
Description: Starting-at rate based on 2 people staying in one room with two queen beds and a deluxe continental breakfast.
All packages are based on a group of four golfers staying four nights and playing three rounds of golf at three different pre-determined courses. Visit http://www.golf.gulfshores.com/stay/allrates.aspx for more information.
Customized quotes can be requested at golfgulfshores.com – a quick, easy way to get the most from your winter escape.
To sign up for a free subscription to the Golf Gulf Shores monthly e-newsletter, visit http://www.golf.gulfshores.com/plan/enews/default.asp or call 1.888.815.1902. To view up-to-the-minute news, photos, events and special offers, see facebook.com/GolfGulfShores or follow Golf Gulf Shores on Twitter at http://twitter.com/GolfGulfShores.
About Golf Gulf Shores
Golf Gulf Shores is the moniker for the Gulf Shores Golf Association, the partnership that promotes the destination and its custom golf packages built by its partners, for golf groups, families, and corporate outings. The destination offers nine golf courses, countless lodging options and a wealth of outdoor activity on its 32-mile waterfront destination. Course highlights:
Cotton Creek at Craft Farms – Arnold Palmer Signature Design with generous fairways lined by Southern Hardwoods, undulating greens and a championship test from 7,028 yards, and owned and operated by Honours Golf.
Cypress Bend at Craft Farms – The sister Honours Golf property to Cotton Creek, the Arnold Palmer Signature Design meanders through cord-grass accented lakes which come into play on nearly every hole.
Glenlakes Golf Club – Scottish-style links course designed by Von Hagge and known for its extensive bunkering and postage-stamp greens.
Kiva Dunes – A “Top 100 Course in America” by Golf Digest, the Jerry Pate design is the only beachfront resort course in Gulf Shores.
Lost Key – The stunning course, redesigned by the Arnold Palmer Design Group in 2006, rewards accuracy off the tee and with approaches as it winds through woods and wetlands. It also boasts a new state-of-the-art clubhouse.
Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club – Owned and operated by Honours Golf, the 27-hole facility offers chilled apples on the tee. The 830-acre park includes 30 lakes and fairways surrounded by Bon Secour Wildlife Preserve.
Rock Creek Golf Club – Also owned by Honours Golf and boasting rolling terrain and fairways lined by pines, the Earl Stone design overlooks freshwater wetlands and the Rock Creek basin.
TimberCreek Golf Club – This 27-hole design was crafted by Earl Stone and feels like an inland Carolina course with fairways lined by loblolly pines, dogwoods and magnolias.
Gulf Shores Golf Club – Formerly known as The Golf Club of the Wharf, this was the Gulf Shores’ first course. Opened it 1960, it was redesigned by Jay and Carter Morrish in 2005.
For more information: www.golfgulfshores.com, 888-815-1902.
Contact:
Janeen Driscoll, Buffalo Communications
910.690.9711, jdriscoll@buffalocommunications.com
Gary Trask, Buffalo Communications
978.228.0314,
Covering the business of golf!
