Don't Just Play Golf

    If case you’re wondering if being a bachelor once again will offer the same memorable social opportunities as it did before you were married, consider gathering a few close friends and planning an ultimate guy’s golf getaway. There are many award-winning golf courses throughout America that provide a fun and challenging experience for avid golfers. If you’re looking to plan the ultimate, guys-only golf getaway, however, there are only a handful of world-class golf resorts that put an emphasis on luxury services and amenities. Sure, these resorts offer great golf, but they also provide so much more in the way of activities and entertainment, as well as the opportunity to simply relax in a beautiful setting where you’re sure to be surrounded by fellow golf enthusiasts.

A true golf resort includes much more than an award-winning, 18-hole golf course designed by a famous course architect. What sets some resorts apart from most others are the on-property fine-dining restaurants and lounges, club facilities, day spa, pro shop, the caliber of the golf instruction available, the quality of the accommodations, the additional resort activities offered, as well as the superiority of the service.

Planning a weekend or week-long ultimate golf getaway won’t necessarily be cheap, but it will provide you with a truly fun and memorable experience that centers around golf, but that allows you to enjoy a wide range of other activities, while bonding with the close friends or business associates you’re traveling with. Out of the many top-notch golf resorts located throughout the country, the following are details about a handful that offer a superior golfing experience, plus much more. These resorts are high-end and extremely popular, so you’ll want to make your travel plans early, plus reserve your tee times as soon as your resort reservations are confirmed. Not only will you find yourself being challenged on the links alongside business people, retirees and other affluent travelers, there’s a good change you’ll rub elbows with PGA legends, well-known celebrities, politicians and world leaders at these resorts.

ABOUT THE BROADMOOR
 
Located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, The Broadmoor (866-686-3961, www.Broadmoor.com) is a five-star resort with a rich history that began in 1918. Located just minutes from the Colorado Springs Airport, and about a 90-minute drive from Denver International Airport, non-stop flights are available from many U.S. cities. The Broadmoor is much more than a run-of-the-mill resort. It’s situated on 3,000 immaculately landscaped acres near the base of the Rocky Mountains, and features 700 luxury guestrooms and suites, 15 on-property restaurants (several operated by world-class chefs), a tennis club, a complete workout facility, multiple swimming pools, plus a full-service day spa.

What golf enthusiasts visit The Broadmoor for, however, is to experience its three famous courses, which have hosted countless tournaments throughout the resort’s history. It’s here that the 2008 U.S. Senior Open (July 28th through August 3rd) and the 2011 U.S. Women’s Open (July 7th through 10th) will be played. “The Broadmoor is proud to be chosen as the host site of the 2011 United States Women’s Open,” said Russ Miller, Director of Golf at The Broadmoor. “It is not only an honor to host our seventh USGA championship, including the 2008 U.S. Senior Open, it is a tremendous tribute to the city of Colorado Springs.”

The original Broadmoor East 18-hole championship course opened in conjunction with the resort in 1918. It was designed by master golf course architect Donald Ross. Some of the holes have since been redesigned by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. This is one of only a dozen North American and Caribbean courses to receive a five-star rating by Golf Digest. Also offering a combination of holes designed by Donald Ross and Robert Trent Jones, Sr., The Broadmoor’s West Course offers 18 challenging holes, situated on rolling fairways and multi-level greens that overlook the city and the mountains. This course is littered with sand bunkers and water hazards. The resort’s 18-hole Mountain Course opened in July 2006 and was designed by Jack Nicklaus’ company, Nicklaus Designs.

This is a wonderfully scenic course that plays to a maximum of 7,700 yards, par 72. Green fees at the resort vary by season, but range between $95 and $190 for 18-holes. Rates include green fees, cart fee, all day range use and bag storage. Club and shoe rentals, plus caddies are extra. Tee times can be reserved up to 60-days in advance. After golf, consider a visit to the world-class day spa, where a variety of relaxing and rejuvenating massage treatments, designed specially for men, are available.

You can also enjoy drinks at one of the resort’s upscale lounges, or full meals at one of several fine-dining restaurants. When you’re ready to retire, spacious and comfortable guestroom accommodations that offer spectacular views and top-of-the-line amenities await. While the golf courses are the centerpiece of this resort, the offerings go well beyond the links. Aside from the luxurious accommodations, it’s the stellar and personalized service offered here that guests remember. With the many area attractions and additional fine-dining restaurants located just minutes from the resort, it’s easy to spend a week enjoying all that The Broadmoor has to offer. It’s no wonder why multiple U.S. Presidents, world leaders and countless celebrities have vacationed here throughout the years.

THE WYNN LAS VEGAS

For a newly single guy looking to party, there’s no better place than Las Vegas. Between the resorts, casinos, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, shows and activities, there’s plenty to keep people busy – day and night. Golf enthusiasts have also discovered Las Vegas to be a top-notch vacation destination. Surrounding The Strip are a handful of championship courses, including several surrounding nearby Lake Las Vegas. Golfers won’t want to miss out on the challenges that await on the courses offered at the Lake Las Vegas resort area (www.golfllv.com/lakelasvegas.asp).

Surrounding this 320-acre, man-made lake are three unique championship courses. The Reflection Bay Golf Course is a Jack Nicklaus Signature course, while The Falls Golf Course was designed by Tom Weiskopf. The new Rainbow Canyon Golf Course, designed by Tom Fazio, offers a par-72 layout, with 18-holes offering visually stunning landscaping. Rates vary by season, between $120.00 and $295.00. As for accommodations, Lake Las Vegas, which is located about a 30 minute drive from The Strip (five to 10 minutes by helicopter) offers only the best - including the nearby Ritz-Carlton Resort (800-241-3333), Loews Lake Las Vegas Resort (800-235-6397) and the MonteLago Village Resort (866-564-4799).