I know each of you are looking for the great deal that will aid in your decision on where to go for this year's annual golf trip.  Well, I’ve been poking around trying to find the best deals for you, and let me assure you, they are out there.  Let's take a look at a few...

We'll start with Arizona. The Phoenix/Scottsdale area is undoubtedly one of the most golf-rich parts of this country, plus there are plenty of activities in the area to compliment your golf trip (i.e. sporting events, old west sites, superb dining, etc.). There are over 200 golf courses in this area for you to play and many choices for accommodations according to the size of your group. My “Best Bang for Your Buck" package is as follows:

3 nights & 3 rounds of weekday golf starting at $298 per person.

Play: Southern Dunes Golf Club, Vista Verde Golf Club, and the newly-renovated Arizona Grand Golf Club

Stay: Hyatt Summerfield Suites, Hotel Scottsdale, or Millennium Resort

This package is based on 4 golfers and covers it all. It's perfect for corporate clients or just friends on vacation! The rates are good through early September.  Check out some other great deals here. Sure, it can get hot, but that’s why there's a pool at the hotel!

Next up - the Fabulous Las Vegas. I don’t think I need to explain the extra activities here.  You may not realize that Vegas is the golf mecca it is since it's famous for so many additional things, but this desert city is home to some world-class golf courses.  Come try your game here with one of these two awesome golf deals:

3 nights & 3 rounds of weekend golf starting at $319 per person.

Play:  Highland Falls Golf Club, Palm Valley Golf Club, and Las Vegas National Golf Club

Stay:  The Plaza Hotel & Casino or Harrah’s Hotel & Casino

Find more awesome customizable deals here.  Or try the following “Best Bang for Your Buck” golf package.  This deal gives you some amazing golf at unbelievable prices when compared to the last few years.  Take advantage of these low rates while they last!

3 nights & 3 rounds of weekday golf starting at $499 per person.

Play:  Rio Secco Golf Club, Las Vegas Paiute – Snow & Sun (36 hole day)

Stay:  Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino

Let’s move east to Hilton Head Island. First off, let me mention that there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in the area, like tennis, kayaking, fishing, crabbing, biking, etc.  Another “Best Bang for Your Buck” destination. Palmetto Dunes Ocean Front Resort has screaming deals on 3 night/3 round packages.  Here's one with unlimited golf for just $199 per day!

Golf:  Robert Trent Jones Ocean Front Course, George Fazio Course, Arthur Hills Course (Unlimited Golf!)

Stay: Palmetto Dunes Ocean Front Resort - 2 Bedroom Resort View Villa

They'll customize this package for any size group or family outing. You can find details here.

Next up is Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain Georgia (1 hour south of the Atlanta airport).  This beautiful resort has been the host to the Buick Challenge for many years. Two world-class courses are the highlight of the show, though “The Gardens”, fly fishing, skeet shooting, and quail hunting all add to the experience.  Look here for details.

Play: Mountain View Championship Golf Course, Lake View Golf Course

Stay: Mountain Creek Inn - $190 per person per night includes round of golf, breakfast, dinner, Garden admission, Fitness Center access (group packages available)

Cottages - $150 per person per night includes round of golf, breakfast, dinner, Garden admission - based on 4 players. (group packages available)

Good luck with the deal hunting!  I’ll continue with an article for summertime destinations that give some more extreme values for you to consider.

Back to the 3-and-1/2-hour Round
When is the last time you played a 3.5 hour round of golf on a resort course? I was reading an article this morning that stated how bad the golf business is and how more courses are closing than opening, the TV ratings are down, the equipment