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.GR_fl-01 ATTRIBUTE;DCITY=AMELIA ISLAND
Number of rooms:: 1300
Rates: $$
Services: Beauty shop, Car hire, Babysitting, Card or other game area, Laundry, Room service
Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: Dune Side Club, The Coop, The Verandah
Bar: Admiral's Lounge, Beach Club
Business facilities: Secretarial, Copiers, Conference room capacity: 500
Sports facilities: Pool, Tennis, Riding, Full Health Spa
Location: Nassau County, Northwest Florida
Attractions: Historic fishing village, St. Augustine
Course: Long Point, Amelia Links Oakmarsh/Oysterbay/Oceanside
Distance: 6,740, Par: 72
RETURN Rating: 72.5, No. of holes: 45
Guest policy: Open to members & resort guests only
Fees: **
Reservations: May be made at any time
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: No
Imagine a 1250-acre island of undisturbed primeval marshlands and lagoons where egrets and herons nest, towering sand dunes, lush foliage draped in Spanish moss, all bordered by a four mile wide white beach. This is Amelia Island, where Indians fished and hunted, where pirates roamed to bury treasure, and where the flags of eight different nations have flown in the past four hundred years. This unspoiled
paradise is the northern most barrier island on Florida's east coast, just twenty-nine miles northwest of Jacksonville. Dining at Amelia Island Plantation can be as elegant as candlelight, champagne and Pheasant with Wild Mushrooms and Walnut Sauce in the Dune Side Club overlooking the Atlantic, or as casual as a hamburger at the Coop. Should you choose dinner at the Verandah, you'll find the freshest seafood the coastal waters offer. Cocktails and after-dinner drinks are served in the Admiral's Lounge, featuring live music, or try the Beach Club's lively disco. In addition to the wide, breeze-swept beach, there are twenty-five tennis courts, horseback riding, a fully-equipped Health and Fitness Center, swimming pools, and paddleboats. The island's waters are teeming with gamefish, and arrangements can be made to set up sailing, historical river cruises and fishing trips for sailfish and marlin. Whiting, sea trout and bluefish can be caught from the beach. Jogging trails RETURN entice you to explore marsh edges, sea oats and pine forests. You'll want to combine play at Long Point with a round or two at Amelia Links, Pete Dye's 27-hole masterpiece (its the only resort in the world with golf courses by both Tom Fazio and Dye.) The setting challenges and captivates. Long, winding fairways are framed by vivid moss-draped forests. Paddleboats glide by on mirror-smooth lakes, and holes four, five and six hug the Atlantic to keep you on your tees. Long Point's eighteen championship holes beckon with unusual natural hazards, highly elevated fairways, large bodies of water and more marshlands and beachside play. PGA greats Ben Crenshaw, Davis Love, Mark O'Meara, Hal Sutton and Peter Jacobsen have played the course; and all agree that it's outstanding.
GR_fl-01 Boca Raton
Number of rooms:: 963
Rates: $$$
Services: Valet, Library, Barber shop, Beauty shop, Parking, Car hire, International currency exchange, Nurse, Babysitting, Card/game area, Laundry, Room service, Supervised children's activities
Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: Patio Royalle, Top of the Tower, Chauncey's, Nick's Fishmarket, Cabana Dining Room
Bar: El Lago, Lounge
Business facilities: Secretarial, Audio-visual, Conference room capacity: 1,500
Sports facilities: Pool, Tennis, Full health spa, Sailing, Racquetball, Basketball
Location: Palm Beach County
RETURN Attractions: Historical Society Tours, Lion Country Safari, Worth Avenue
Course: Boca Raton Club
Distance: 6,682, Par: 71
Rating: 74.3/129, No. of holes: 36
Guest policy: Call for availability
Club-House: 407-395-3000
Fees: **
Reservations: Call for starting times
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: No
Located on southeast Florida's Gold Coast, Boca Raton's distinctive pink color and Spanish-Moorish architecture are the legacy of architect-eccentric Addison Mizner. Built in 1926 as the centerpiece of Mizner's dream city, the resort was restored to its original decor last year. Handmade rugs from India now cover new French terra-cotta floors, and even the Mizner Fountain is again in operation. Take advantage of Boca's Tennis Center, boasting 22 Har-Tru courts, and The Boca Beach Club, the watersports center providing everything from snorkeling to windsurfing. Or, go Gulf Stream fishing for plentiful sailfish, marlin, tuna, barracuda and dolphin. Enjoy the shopping nearby or participate in the popular tours offered by Boca Raton Historical Society. Explore the Mizner Museum, walk through the giant columns of a 13th-century loggia, and view antiques brought from Spain by Mizner. The Boca Raton Resort & Club enjoys two 18-hole championship golf courses. The Resort course, which was originally designed by William Flynn in 1926 and recently redesigned by Joe Lee in 1988, has become an attraction for golfers all over the world. The club had only two pros before RETURN Ron Polane, but what names! Tommy Armour from 1926 through 1955, and Sam Snead from 1956 through 1970. The Resort course winds among a variety of tropical foliage and palms. Our Country Club course, located a short 6 miles northwest of the hotel, presents a true country club atmosphere with all the facilities. This Joe Lee designed championship course has water bordering 12 of the 18 holes and finishes with the spectacular 18th hole, a par 5 in which the last shot goes to an Island green.
GR-fl-03 Captiva Island
Number of rooms:: 650
Rates: $$$
Services: Valet, Beauty shop, Car hire, International currency exchange, Babysitting, Card or other game area, Laundry, children's rec. program, Room service
Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: Chadwick's, King's Crown
Bar: Chadwick's
Business facilities: Audio-visual, Telex, Conference room capacity: 625
Sports facilities: Pool, Tennis, Waterskiing
Location: Lee County
Attractions: Cruises to Cabbage Key & Useppa Island, shopping
Course: So. Seas Plantation
RETURN Distance: 3,300, Par: 36, No. of holes: 9
Guest policy: Call for availability
Fees: *
Reservations: May be made one day in advance
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: Yes
Once the hideaway of 16th-century pirates and, later, a flourishing citrus plantation, South Seas Plantation ranks among today's premier resorts. South Seas sits on 330 acres of unspoiled tropical island on the northern tip of Captiva Island, 3 miles out in the Gulf of Mexico. The tranquility of its two- mile stretch of white beach and the natural beauty of the island has won this resort its reputation as "Florida's Tahiti." Three award-winning restaurants provide a different dining experience for every meal of your vacation...in surroundings that range from candlelight to casual. Not only will you have access to 22 Laykold tennis courts scattered throughout the resort and 17 fresh-water pools--a myriad of water sports that take full advantage of the beautiful surroundings await you at South Seas. Windsurfing, sun canoes, waterskiing, jet skiing, and aquacycles are all available to guests, including Steve Colgate's Offshore Sailing School. Also popular are the many island excursions, including the Captiva Island breakfast cruise, lunch and dinner cruises to Cabbage Key or Useppa Island, cocktail cruises through Pine Island Sound, and sightseeing cruises to Boca Grande and Cayo Costa. And for shoppers, Chadwick's Square Shops, the newly- opened gallery of fine boutiques modeled after the award-winning Periwinkle Place on Sanibel Island, is ideal. You'll have the azure Gulf waters around you as you play this scenic nine holes built in 1973. RETURN The course is flat with a couple of lakes and a pretty stretch of fairway bordering the beach. This is the site of the annual South Seas Plantation Golf Traditional Tournament benefitting the Big Brothers/Sisters of Lee County. Haven't had enough golf? Take a short jaunt over to neighboring Sanibel Island where you'll find an additional 18 holes at the Dunes Country Club.
GR-fl-04 Clearwater Number of rooms: 350
Rates: $$
Fax: 813-443-6361
Golf course: Belleview Mido CC
Distance: 6309, Par: 72, Number of holes: 18
The resort was previously the Belleview Biltmore, a large rambling hotel with Victorian architecture, accented by green gables, white wicker furniture and verandas. The resort is well-equipped to handle meetings up to a capacity of 600. The course is as flat as your hand, and if you hit 'em straight, you can avoid the water. Slope on the Men's Blue is 118.
GR_fl-05 Crystal River Number of rooms: 142
Rates: $
Fax: 904-795-1368
Golf course: Championship, Lagoons
Distance: 6,502, Par: 72, Number of holes: 27
Easy living and golf are a tradition at this resort set on Florida's Golf Coast. Choose from spacious accommodations at the RETURN Plantation, fully equipped golf villas, and condominiums. A full-service marina offers a variety of water sports, including snorkeling in waters that are home to endangered manatees. Take your choice of 27 holes of golf on a beautifully manicured course.
GR_fl-06 Daytona Beach Number of rooms: 211
Rates: $
Golf course: Indigo Lakes
Distance: 7,168, Par: 72, Number of holes: 18
Come and see our million dollar renovation, hidden in a private world of lakes, forests, and gardens. We have 10 tournament quality tennis courts, racquet ball, and a complete health spa where a professional staff can design a personal fitness program for you. As for golf, the Slope is Men's 130 on an 18-hole golf course with a fabulous #12 signature hole. Major Moultries is the place to enjoy dinner after a game.
GR_fl-07 East, Destin
Rates: $
Fax: 904-267-8222
Golf course: The Links, Baytowne Troon/Dunes/Harbor
Distance: 6,710, Par: 72, Number of holes: 45
Sitting between the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Bay is this complete 2,600-acre resort, a place you will treasure. Choose a variety of lodgings--from luxury high-rise suites to a roomy villa. Spend your days on one 18-hole RETURN course and one 27-hole course, 16 tennis courts, and enjoy a myriad of watersports with the convenience of Sandestin's 98-slip, full-service marina.
GR_fl-08 Grenelefe Number of rooms:: 950
Rates: $
Services: Valet, Barber shop, Beauty shop, Garage and parking, Car hire, International currency exchange, Babysitting, Card/game area, Laundry, Emporium, Room service
Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: Camelot
Bar: Lancelot
Business facilities: Complete service center, Conference room capacity: 2,000
Sports facilities: Pool, Tennis, Sailing, Fishing
Location: Polk County
Attractions: Disney World, Cypress Gardens, Sea World
Course: Grenelefe West, East, South
Distance: 7,325, Par: 72
Rating: 75.0, No. of holes: 54
Guest policy: Possible to play any time
Fees: **
RETURN Reservations: Up to 90 days in advance
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: No
At the center of Florida's wonderland of world-famous attractions, is the Grenelefe Resort and Conference Center. The resort embraces 1,000 lush, wooded acres along the shores of Lake Marion and remains part of a self-contained community that has its own post office, fire department, service station and convenience store. Grenelefe dining comes in a variety that will suit every taste. Enjoy Grenelefe's 13-court world-class tennis complex, including the 1,700-seat Center Court Stadium where national tournaments, as well as the Grand Prix Circuit, take place annually. There are also five pools, plus plentiful water sports and fishing on 6,400-acre Lake Marion, where largemouth bass and speckled perch are abundant. More non-sport activities have been added recently, including arts and crafts classes, cooking schools and bridge tournaments. There's easier access to Florida's famous attractions as well, with the initiation of daily shuttle bus service from Grenelefe to Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom/EPCOT Center and Cypress Gardens. With 54 holes of championship meticulously-landscaped golf on three challenging courses ranking among Florida's best, the Grenelefe Resort and Conference Center offers a varied menu of golfing. The West Course has been ranked number one in Florida consistently, and, like all Robert Trent Jones designs, claims long, tight fairways lined with tall pines and monstrous bunkers. Many players tout the ninth and 14th as being the best holes. They're each a long par 4 with plenty of trees and sand traps, but each is more negotiable from the middle markers. Ed Seay's East Course is much shorter and tighter at 6802 yards. Depending on your mood or your gall, you'll want to tee off the Championship first tee, positioned on the second story of the Conference Center, just RETURN outside the golf pro shop. The newest course, the South, designed by Ronald Garl and PGA touring pro Andy Bean, is no pushover. It incorporates a variety of
length, terrain, and hazards. But between the 8th and 9th hole hydrophobes beware!
GR-FL-08A
Number of rooms:: 204
Rates: $$
Services: Valet, Garage and parking, Car hire, Babysitting, Card or other game area, Laundry, Room service
Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: El Conquistador
Bar: La Margarita
Business facilities: Secretarial, Telex, Conference room capacity: 500
Sports facilities: Pool, Tennis, Sailing, Fishing
Location: Lake County
Attractions: Disney World, Cypress Gardens, Universal Studios
Course: El Campeon, Las Colinas
Distance: 6,354, Par: 72
Rating: 70.1, No. of holes: 36
Guest policy: Call for availability
RETURN Fees: **
Reservations: May be made one year in advance
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: No
Would you like to know about a secluded, one-of-a-kind family- operated retreat? One whose staff remembers returning guests names, offers a full program of children's activities, and even maintains a restored 1930's river yacht for cocktail cruises? Mission Inn is the place. Its a country-inn hideaway, 45 minutes from Walt Disney World in the foothills of Orlando, and it happens to be sitting on one of Florida's largest lakes, bass- filled Lake Harris. Spanish in style reminiscent of Florida's early days, the Inn has 204 rooms, suites and condominiums. Fountains, gardens, birds and waterfalls line the covered walkways. From screened balconies, rooms overlook velvety fairways, tennis courts, towering palms, and placid Lake Harris. Guests gather at La Margarita for cocktails and conversation, while two dining rooms El Conquistador, and La Hacienda tempt diners with menus featuring continental fare. The Nineteenth Hole also offers lunch and dinner. What to do in a town called Howey- on-the-Hills? Start with fishing, sailing, speedboating, tennis, swimming, or relaxing after a workout in the spa. This is an older golf course, still in excellent shape. Built in 1924 by Scottish designer, Charles E. Clark, it had a facelift in 1970 by Lloyd Clifton. Florida Mini Tour plays here twice a year, and the Tallahassee Open Qualifier sought this course recently, as did the Florida Junior Invitational. It is a hilly layout--with an 85 feet elevation difference tee-to-green. The fourth hole is billed as "Devil's Delight," with more obstacles than many courses claim on 18. Our favorite is number six, "Pine Valley." At 472 yards, it's a short but extremely tight par five which squeezes in even RETURN tighter as you approach the green. Lots of water frames the green, and numerous bunkers starting from 80 yards out create a bottleneck for the second shot. Thirteen of 18 holes have water, and the landscape varies from hole to hole-- some are wooded, and some have an abundance of tropical foliage.
GR_fl-09 Hutchinson Island Number of rooms:: 326
Rates: $
Services: Cable TV, VCR, Radio, Hair dryer, Wet-bar & refrigerator, Room Service, Laundry
Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: Scalaways, The Porch, The Emporium, Gino's Pizza Parlor
Bar: Gilbert's Lounge, Scalaways Lounge, Tiki Bar, Beach Club
Business facilities: Audio-visual, Fax, Conference room capacity: 525
Sports facilities: Pool, Tennis, Bicycling, Waterskiing
Location: Hutchinson Island
Attractions: Elliott Museum, Burt Reynolds Dinner Theater
Course: River & Plantation Course
Distance: 4,042, Par: 61
Rating: 56.9, No. of holes: 18
Guest policy: Open to hotel guests & members only
Fees: **
RETURN Reservations: Not accepted outside 24 hours
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: Yes
Getting to this 200 acre friendly self-contained resort of secluded beaches, water sports, and great golf and tennis is easy. Drive about forty miles north of Palm Beach, cross the St. Lucie River, and follow signs to Hutchinson Island, OR have your private jet land at Stuart's Witham Field, OR if you're cruising the Intracoastal Waterway, check Nautical Chart #11472, proceed to Marker 229 and cruise in the St. Lucie Inlet. The Island has conveniences such as a bank, gourmet market, service station, and shops, yet, there are a plenty of diversions within a short distance, should you want to explore Florida's Treasure Coast. Accommodations are in one and two bedroom suites, all with kitchens, balconies and ocean views. In addition, there's a new 200 room hotel adjacent to the full-service 77-slip marina. The resort has five restaurants, ranging from the elegant Inlet, whose menu is devoted to International specialties and fresh fish, to the casual Emporium, a turn-of-the-century ice cream parlor. Recreation at this old pineapple plantation centers on the outdoors--all sorts of water sports, swimming pools, dinner and day cruises, sailing and snorkeling. Marlin, sailfish, and wahoo abound in the ocean while pompano and flounder flourish in rivers, lakes and bays. Elsewhere on the Island are historical attractions, and a museum. Flanked by the ocean and a river, the island is a stopping-off place for migrating birds, and roving security patrols watch for injured fliers so they can be treated. Those who like a less lengthy round will come back for more on the par 61, 4,042 yard short course designed by Charles Ankrom. River Course, and Plantation Course are both relatively flat (everything is in these parts), have terrific bunkering, undulating greens, ocean breezes, and seem to have water everywhere. RETURN For children 3-12 there is the "Pineapple Bunch Children's Camp" which offers arts and crafts, beach and nature walks, excursions, swimming, field games, and bike hikes. For teenagers there is a game room, movie nights, parties, snorkeling, and golf and tennis instruction.
GR_fl-10 Cypress Parkway
Number of rooms: 110
Rates: $101.00-$175.00
Distance: 6,700, Par: 72, Number of holes: 18
While enjoying all the comforts of home, you will also have access to Poinciana's amenities which include an Olympic-sized swimming pool, kiddie pool, lighted tennis courts, shuffleboard, racquetball, and jogging path. If dining is your pleasure, enjoy the casual atmosphere of our restaurant or relax in our lounge. Your "home away from home" located in the center of Florida, provides convenience to all major attractions.
GR_fl-11 Fort Lauderdale
Number of rooms: 293
Rates: $
Fax: 305-476-6150
Golf course: Rolling Hills
Distance: 6,969, Par: 72, Number of holes: 27
A challenging day of golf lies ahead on Rolling Hills' famous course, the location for the comedy movie "Caddy Shack." RETURN And through the gorgeous Spanish Oaks lining the fairways is the resort itself, where each of 300 guest rooms include the added luxury of dual vanities and his/her closets. Take a dip in the pool, beautifully landscaped with walk-through waterfalls and lagoons. Or enjoy the pool activity from the comfort of the Oasis.
GR_fl-12 Fort lauderdale
Number of rooms: 500
Rates: $$
Fax: 305-384-0563
Golf course: Bonaventure
Distance: 7,011, Number of holes: 36
Lush, tropical 1,250-acre resort and conference center offers all recreational opportunities. Excellent location with easy access to either Fort Lauderdale or Miami International airports. Award-winning conference service staff coordinates meetings from 20 to 2,000 people. Activities: tennis on 23 courts, swimming in three freshwater pools, racquetball, squash, horseback, and two 18-hole courses. One of the 10 best spas in the U.S.
GR-fl-12a Harbour Ridge
Rates: $101.00-$175.00
Golf Course: The Golden Marsh
Distance: 6,785, Par: 72, Number of holes: 18
Treat yourself to a week or weekend at Harbour Ridge. Relax in a luxurious Palmetto Village garden apartment, situated RETURN along the edge of Mile Lake and the lush Golden Marsh golf course. Fabulous golfing, tennis, fishing, sailing, and dining are only steps away. You'll also enjoy Florida's uncrowded beaches, treasure filled coves, and excellent shopping.
GR_fl-13 Kissimmee
Number of rooms:: 13,000
Rates: $$
Services: Valet, Babysitting, Translators, Bellhops, Car rental, Memorial train service, Concierge, Theaters, Travel & Tour Service
Restaurant: Numerous
Bar: Several
Business facilities: Full conference facilities
Sports facilities: Tennis, Fitness centers, Rapid shooting
Location: Orlando area
Attractions: MGM Studios, backstage tours, EPCOT, Magic Kingdom
Course: Lake Buena Vista, Osprey Ridge, Eagle Pines, Magnolia, Palm, Oak Trail
Distance: 6,829, Par: 72
Rating: 72.9, No. of holes: 99
Guest policy: Resort guest should call for tee time
Fees: **
RETURN Reservations: Depends on package, call for reservation
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: No
At twice the size of Manhattan Island, this empire is mind boggling in concept, scope, and superlatives. Best part is, it all runs like clockwork. (Minnie never had it so good.) With more than 12,000 suites, rooms, villas, campsites, this fantasy world encompasses 43 square miles--and it's all devoted to the service of pleasure. Highlights include: the turn-of-the-century grandeur of Disney's Grand Floridian Beach Resort, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney's Village Resort (with its choice of villas or club suites), the Disney Inn (facing the rolling fairways of Magnolia and Palm Golf Course), the Polynesian Resort, and the Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground (where you can bring your own camper and really hoop- dee-doo it up at Crockett's Tavern.) Maybe you'll want to contemplate the brobdingnagian Swan, or the newly opened Dolphin. Of course, with all these accommodations, the brilliant master planners left plenty of space for recreational pursuits. You can take part in sailing, playing tennis, water skiing, fishing, bicycling, fishing, jogging, riding, canoeing, swimming in pools, and even swinging from a rope in River Country. But be sure to leave enough time--it takes four days just to see the parks. And there's more--night life, day life, and even life beyond--as on the fourth floor of the Contemporary Resort, where monorails glide in and out of the concourse bringing guests to the cavernous 90-foot lobby. Occupancy rates are high at the hotels because of the articulate and courteous staffs. Most of the people at the reservation desks have bachelor's degrees and are multilingual. Theme parks and hotels have plenty of space between them. The Caribbean Beach Resort, for example, set on 200 acres near EPCOT Center, surrounds a 42-acre lake and is actually RETURN comprised of five villages. All of the resorts are self-contained and have an impressive list of amenities and planned activities for both day and night. Golf is not Mickey Mouse here. Joe Lee designed both the Magnolia (more open) and Palm (tighter). Lake Buena Vista, the newest course, is the host of the Disney World/Oldsmobile Classic, which Tim Simpson won in 1990 with a 24 under par. This 18-hole wooded course is situated away from the Magic Kingdom; about the only buildings you'll see are fairway villas on #17. Greens are all Bermuda, fast and fairly large. Slope rating is 124. Two more courses are being developed over by Fort Wilderness by designers Pete Dye and Tom Fazio. They should be ready for play by January 1992. The youth programs here are almost too numerous to list, let alone tell what they offer. There's Baby Care, KinderCare, Wonder of Walt Disney World (for ages 10-51), Kidventure (ages 8-14), The Neverland Club (evening), Mouseketeer Clubhouse, and Sandcastle Club (ages 4-12). Each activity has a different fee.
GR_fl-14 Lehigh Acres
Number of rooms: 121
Rates: $
Fax: 813-368-1660
Golf course: Lehigh Golf Club, South & North
Distance: 6,543, Number of holes: 36, Par 72
Lehigh Resort and Country Club is a planned community with villas and 121 motel-style rooms. A new recreation center offers volleyball, shuffleboard, fishing and swimming. Golfers love the scenic courses, both the fun shorter North Course, and the championship South Course which is quite rolling. Four lighted tennis courts and an instructional pro are available RETURN for resort guests.
The Resort at Longboat Key Club
Address: 301 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Longboat Key, 34228 .BR:Phone: 813-383-8821 800-237-8821
Fax: 813-383-0359
Number of rooms:: 232
Rates: $$
Services: Valet, Library, Garage and parking, Babysitting, Card or other game area, Laundry, Room service
Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: Orchids, Spike & Tees
Bar: Orchids
Business facilities: Secretarial, Telex, Conference room capacity: 200
Sports facilities: Pool, Tennis, Fitness course, Biking, Sailing, Fishing
Location: Longboat Key
Attractions: Ringling Museum, Selby Mote Marine Labs, Botanical Gardens
Course: Islandside, Harbourside/Red/White/Blue
Distance: 6,890, Par: 72
Rating: 74.2, No. of holes: 45
Guest policy: Call for availability
RETURN Phone Club-House: 813-383-8821
Fees: **
Reservations: Hotel guests -- 2-1/2 days in advance
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: No
What was once a vision of circus king, John Ringling, who had a view of Longboat Key from his mansion on luxurious Sarasota Bay, is now an island resort amid the many cultural and recreational activities of Florida's west coast. Wealthy patrons attracted to the area created a burgeoning real estate market, and the region became a winter refuge for the affluent during the 20's. It's off the beaten track, retaining its character of decades ago, yet major attractions are within easy reach. Sporting facilities include 18 Har-Tru tennis courts, a swimming pool, and twelve miles of unspoiled beach. Explore the deep as you are searching for tarpon, kingfish, and cobia in the Gulf. Sailors know these are some of the finest cruising waters Florida offers. Don't miss shelling after a new tide, or birdwatching along mangrove habitats. The resort is in a wildlife sanctuary, giving it an "away-from-it-all" atmosphere, while affording simple, understated elegance. You'll have a myriad of choices near the resort. The sumptuous Ringling residence, the Museum of the Circus, the remarkable architectural landmark housing his Baroque art collection. Care to bet on the greyhounds? A short excursion to St. Armand's Key reveals a fashionable community of stately homes, international shops, restaurants, and galleries. The two championship courses at Longboat Key Club, Islandside Course and Harbourside Course, rank among the top. Islandside overlooks the Gulf of Mexico and offers a rolling, palm tree-lined adventure of 6,890 yards. Designed by Billy Mitchell, RETURN the par 72 "watery challenge" is an acknowledged test of accuracy with long, sinuous fairways threaded throughout lakes and lagoons. The par 72 Harbourside (for member play only) is a somewhat longer layout providing a completely different golfing experience. The course is wrapped around Sarasota Bay and cuts through a lush sub-tropical jungle of live oak, sabal palm and strangler fig. Sixty bunkers await the golfer who also has to negotiate lagoons, canals and the bay itself.
GR_fl-15 Marathon
Number of rooms: 176
Rates: $$
Fax: 305-743-5215
Golf course: Sombrero CC (10 miles away)
Par: 71, Number of holes: 18
In the heart of the Florida Keys is this secluded 60-acre island, the home of Hawk's Cay. The tropical atmosphere is expertly carried indoors with rattan and wicker furnishings, french doors, and peach and mint accents. For sports lovers, fabulous golfing awaits you at the Sombrero Country Club, a 70-slip full-service marina is ready for the ocean bound. Golf packages available.
golfOrlando
GR_fl-16 Orlando
Number of rooms: 750
RETURN Rates: $$$
Services: Catering, Valet service
Restaurant: Black Swan
Bar: Hurricane Bar
Business facilities: Audio-visual, Conference room capacity: 200
Sports facilities: Tennis, Pool, Health Club, Racquetball
Attractions: Disney World, Sea World, Spaceport USA
Course: "New Course", North/South/East
Distance: 6,181, Par: 72
Rating: 69.4, No. of holes: 45
Guest policy: Open to resort guests only
Phone Club-House: 407-239-4700
Fees: ***
Reservations: One week in advance
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: Yes
Orlando, barely more than a mid-size citrus center until Walt Disney's World and Cape Canaveral were launched, is more than the fantasy kingdom that attracts over 25 million visitors annually. Easily, accessible, Orlando's attractions are RETURN diverse, well- planned and aesthetically pleasing. The recipient of numerous accolades and awards, this 1500-acre resort offers lodging options in a 750-room Hyatt Regency, and two and four bedroom Mediterranean-style villas nestled among the waterways and fairways. A tour of the extensive grounds turns up a 21-acre lake fringed by a white sandy beach, an Equestrian center, a gargantuan swimming pool, a 45-acre nature preserve, an Executive meeting center, and four turn-of-the- century Belgian trolley cars to whisk guests around. Guests can unwind in the Regency Health Club, or head for the racquet club which has both clay and hard tennis courts, two racquetball courts, and a proshop. No need to cook if you're staying in a villa. A catering service is ready to do it all, whether its family breakfast or a lobster dinner poolside. Restaurants run the gamut from the Black Swan in the Gold Clubhouse for steaks and assorted seafood, to Ballybunion, and the Clubhouse Lounge which features live entertainment often, and the Hyatt Regency has six other restaurants. Try The Hurricane Bar in Hemingway's for a tall cool one amidst memorabilia and photos of the late outdoorsman and author. Drop in to the Morse Gallery of Art in Winter Park, a lovely neighboring suburb, for a glimpse of fine Tiffany stained glass, or sample the five course meal served in Elizabethan style (don't wait for a fork) while Romeo romances Juliet at King Henry's Feast. Jack Nicklaus designed the courses, and his touch is evident on all 45 holes--shaggy mounds that define the terraced fairways and undulating greens, and visibility of target areas and hazards. The courses appeared in stages, with the North and South opening in 1984, followed by East's nine holes in 1985. The "New Course," an eighteen hole gem, was ready in January, 1988. This is also the home of the Jack Nicklaus Academy of Golf, an instruction center with three Academy holes, bunkers, greens and everything conceivable to aid novice and pro to put that small ball in that very small hole. The Academy retains the services of specialists in golf technology and psychological RETURN conditioning to help you to get in shape.
GR_fl-17 Orlando
Number of rooms: 1503
Rates: $$
Fax: 407-238-8777
Golf course: Marriott Golf
Course Designer: Joe Lee
Distance: 6,366, Par: 71, Number of holes: 18
Less than 10 minutes from Disney World and Sea World, this 1,503-room hotel has facilities that will make amusement parks seem almost unnecessary. An 18-hole Joe Lee golf course, 12 lighted tennis courts, and a 5-acre courtyard accommodating 4 heated pools will all be at your disposal. And, with a choice of six on-site restaurants, every palate will be satisfied.
The Lollipop Lounge is for kids 4-12 years. Video games, arts & crafts, toys and more, all in a supervised setting with breakfast, lunch or dinner available. The fee is $5 an hour for 1st child and $3 an hour for each additional child.
GR-fl-18
Number of rooms: 750
Rates: $$
Fax: 407-239-3891
RETURN Golf course: North course
Distance: 7,024, Par: 72, Number of holes: 45
Step into a tropical atrium lobby with towering palm trees and quiet ponds. Soar in a glass elevator to your suite, then head for the whitesand beach to catch the sunset. Swim in the 1/2-acre pool surrounded by 12 waterfalls and a waterslide. And for tennis buffs, the Racquet Club has 12 courts ready for play. Dining is a treat at 4 nearby restaurants. Camp Hyatt our children's program is open all year from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. for 3 to 12 year-olds. An outdoor playground with sand toys, swings and climbers is offered along with indoor fun such as a real toy kitchen, marionette stage with puppets, arts and crafts, and plenty more.
GR_fl-19 Orlando
Number of rooms: 369
Book reservations for a villa, not just a hotel room, at Sonesta Village Hotel. Only 10 minutes from world-famous attractions, your family will be comfortably accommodated in spacious family-size villas. When you tire of the typical tourist traps, relax with a swim in the free-form swimming pool or in your own whirlpool spa. Tennis, championship golf, and more are all available to you.
golfMiami
GR-fl-20 MiamiNumber of rooms:: 650
Rates: $$$
Services: Guest and children activity program, Valet Parking
RETURN Restaurant: Provare, Sandpiper Steak & Seafood, Champions, Staggerbush Bar & Grill Water Hazard Bar & Grill
Bar: Rousseau's
Sports facilities: Tennis, Pool, Saturnia International Spa
Location: Miami
Attractions: Museum of Art, Miami Beach Garden-Conservatory
Course: Blue, Gold, Red, White
Distance: 6,597, Par: 72
Rating: 70.4, No. of holes: 99
Guest policy: Call for availability
Phone Club-House: 305-592-2000
Fees: ***
Reservations: When you make resort reservations
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: No
The sheer size, scope and pace of this ultra-posh sportsman's paradise bordering the Everglades is enough to boggle the mind. 650 rooms are in eight lodges, including a Corporate Lodge with separate check-in. Consider opulent restaurants, bars and lounges, 2,400 beautifully landscaped acres of tennis courts, a heated Olympic-size pool, an equestrian center, jogging, fishing, bicycling, volleyball and game rooms. Stay here and you'll have privileges next door at the new $28 million Doral RETURN Saturnia International Spa, a lavish Tuscan-inspired hedonistic pleasure palace where American techniques are combined with renowned therapies. And if you're yearning for the beach, head for the sister Doral on Miami Beach via shuttle. Don't overlook local attractions such as the Bass Museum of Art with a permanent collection of Old Masters and Impressionists, and the Miami Beach Garden and Conservatory, with its beautiful display of native flora. Art Deco lovers should streak for the southern end of Miami Beach, designated a National Historic District. Golf is king here, and you have 99 holes including a par 3 executive course at your disposal. The Blue Monster is on everybody's list as the epitome of a challenging course. It's a watery, sandy, long expanse that is the site of the annual PGA Doral-Ryder Open. Billy Casper captured the title in 1962, and the list of winners includes Doug Sanders, Raymond Floyd and Jack Nicklaus. The 18th hole here has been consistently ranked as one of the toughest on the PGA tour, a par 4 unless you're bunkering it or al lago. Count on 22 lakes stocked with large-mouth bass, tarpon and a couple hundred Top-Flite Iis.
GL-FL-14a
Number of rooms:: 340
Rates: $$
Services: Valet, Barber shop, Beauty shop, Garage and parking, Car hire, International currency exchange, House doctor, Babysitting, Card/Game area, Laundry, Room service
Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: Manaco Dining Room, Veranda, Grill, Sunset Cafe, Ocean Club Grill
Bar: Monaco Lounge
RETURN Business facilities: Secretarial, Telex, Conference room capacity: 700
Sports facilities: Pool, Tennis, Handball, Health Spa, Racquet ball, Volleyball, Windsurfing
Location: North Dade County
Attractions: Aventura Mall, Gulfstream Race Track, Jai Alai
Course: South Course
Distance: 6,985, Par: 72
Rating: 72.9, No. of holes: 36
Guest policy: Call for availability
Fees: **
Reservations: No starting times
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: No
Where is there a lush, tropical island of waterways, pools, gardens, a helipad, an unrivaled marina, an extravagant health spa and Country Club? Where is this playground to the wealthy, these four soaring residence towers, and this intimate private hotel? It's all in a private, guarded refuge called Turnberry Isle Yacht and Country Club, along the Intracoastal Waterway in North Miami Beach. The Country Club dining room, which overlooks the golf course is a favorite for American and Continental specialties, while the Yacht and Racquet Club prides itself on northern Italian and new American cuisine. If you're in the mood for dancing, the Celebrities Lounge has the stars and sounds, and the lively Discotheque is where you'll RETURN want to rock out.Sporting facilities leave no whim unfulfilled. 24 tennis courts featuring four different surfaces are available, as well as a full European spa with Nautilus equipment. You may leave your boat (if its under 150 feet) berthed at the marina, or charter from a variety of glorious yachts, fully stocked and crewed for an unparalleled adventure on Florida's gleaming waters. Deep-sea fishing is just a marlin away, and water sports are featured on a private beach at the Ocean Club. Adjacent to the Country Club is Aventura Mall, largest shopping center in Florida. Have a limousine whisk you to Jai Alai, nearby galleries and restaurants, or the ponies. Julius Boros heads the Professional Golf staff which, combined with the climate and setting, make it the masterpiece that it is. Two of Robert Trent Jones' creations provide 36 challenging holes, featuring the largest triple green in the world. The South course has been the site of the Elizabeth Arden Classic and the PGA Senior Championship, as well as numerous celebrity and private tournaments. Turnberry Isle offers a Children's Program over the Christmas Holidays and summer vacation season.
GR-fl-21
Number of rooms: 300
Rates: $
Fax: 305-819-8298
Golf course: Miami Lakes
Distance: 7,055, No. Holes: 18, Par: 72,
Miami Lakes is a unique planned community. With its 22 lakes and lush trees planted every 30 feet, it makes a beautiful setting that everyone will enjoy. Activities are available to satisfy every need. From a sports complex and fitness center; to RETURN jogging with miles of shady, winding trails; to swimming in a tropical setting or relaxing by the pool; to tennis and racquetball; to shopping and enjoying your meal at an outdoor cafe on Main Street.
GR-fl-22 Middleburg
Number of rooms: 50
Golf Course: Ravines
Distance: 6,733, Par: 72, Number of holes: 18
Ravines is 450 acres of meticulously planned beauty. The natural terrain of the area has steep hills that rise some 90 feet above sea level with drastic drops of more than 60 feet to the ravine bottom. There are many species of wildlife and more than 50 varieties of trees. All the diversions you could ask for with the ambiance of a country inn.
GR-fl-23 Naples
Number of rooms: 315
Rates: $$
Fax: 813-261-7380
Golf course: Naples Beach Golf Club
Distance: 6,462, Par: 72, Number of holes: 18
The charm of lovely Naples, the splendor of the Gulf of Mexico, and the excitement of championship golf and tennis....It's all waiting for you at the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club, a secluded vacation resort nestled in 135 acres of lush, natural foliage. Enjoy endless sun, balmy Gulf breezes, seagulls and shells on a 7-mile stretch of white sand beaches. Recreation, RETURN shopping and fine dining abound. Once all of Florida was like this.
GR-fl-24 Niceville
Rates: $
Fax: 904-897-2424
Golf course: CC at Blue Water Bay
Distance: 6,808, Par: 72, Number of holes: 36
At Bluewater Bay, you can choose your accommodations according to your sport. Townhomes and condos on the bay for the water-bound, lakeside units at the Tennis Center, patio homes at the Recreation Center, and of course, multi-level units near the golf course for golfers. Experiment with 3 different playing surfaces on 21 tennis courts, sail away from the full-service 120-slip marina on Choctawhatchee Bay, and enjoy 36 holes of glorious golf.
Recently rated one of America's top-ten family vacation resorts, supervised activities for children 3 through 12 are offered on a daily basis during the Summer season. Evening programs are offered frequently for a small fee. Best bet for families is a Family Summer Fun Package.
GR-fl-25 Palm Beach Number of rooms:: 528
Rates: $$
Services: Valet, Barber shop, Beauty Shop, Car hire, International currency exchange, Nurse, Babysitting, Card or other game area, Room service, Library
Restrictions: No pets
RETURN Restaurant: Circle Dining Room, Fairways Cafe, Beach Club, Beach Club Patio
Bar: Alcazar Lounge
Business facilities: Secretarial, Telex, Conference room capacity: 1,200
Sports facilities: Tennis, Pool, Croquet, Full Health Spa, Shuffleboard, Ping pong, Bocci, Horseshoes, Lawn bowling, Beach volleyball, Child's playground
Location: Island of Palm Beach
Attractions: Deep sea fishing, Worth Avenue shopping, dog races
Course: West Course
Distance: 7,101, Par: 71
Rating: 70.1, No. of holes: 36
Guest policy: Course open to members and hotel guests
Fees: **
Reservations: 4 p.m. 2 days in advance
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: No, Caddies
Palm Beach has, for generations, been synonymous with the socially elite; the playground of the beautiful people, and much of this life centered around the grand old landmark, The Breakers. Designed in the Italian Renaissance style, the exterior, with its Belvedere towers was inspired by Rome's Villa Medici. The main lobby, accented by frescoes and vaulted RETURN ceilings overlooks the Mediterranean Courtyard, resplendent with fountains and cascading plants, resembling the inner gardens of an Italian villa. The opulent Mediterranean and Venetian Ballrooms, off the loggias, provide the setting for some of society's most elegant charity and debutante balls. Built by millionaires in 1926, The Breakers, with its Flemish tapestries, crystal chandeliers and marble floors, sits on 140 acres of rambling lush tropical gardens. Guests can enjoy 19 tennis courts, a private beach with cabanas, an Olympic-size swimming pool, fitness center, patio bar and grill, dance studio, shuffleboard, table tennis, sailing, croquet, and a unique kids' summer camp where boys and girls aged 10 to 15 learn the basics of investments and personal finance. Donald Ross fans will be delighted with the Ocean Course, designed around the turn of the century. A short course with tight fairways and small, elevated greens, this classic is home to many amateur events including American Seniors, International Seniors, and the Winter Gold League and Breakers Seniors. It's also here that many golf celebrities come for the Palm Beach Golf Classic with 4 tour pros. #14, a figure "S" hole uphill, is typical of Ross' designs, with deep bunkers and small elevated greens. The Breakers West championship course, a twenty-five minute drive from the hotel, was originally designed by Willard Byrd in 1971, and has recently been updated by renowned golf course architect Joe Lee. Situated in West Palm Beach, players are promised more challenges, improved drainage, and a re-designed #9. The new hole has a distinct dog leg requiring a second water shot onto the new three-tiered green. The course wasn't changed dramatically, rather, the original layout has been refined to give the course more character and make play more enjoyable. A new clubhouse featuring a golf pro shop, an elegant restaurant, saunas and steam rooms, bar and grill, is the ideal spot to relax while overlooking the course. The Parrot Pack is for ages 3-5, from 9-11 a.m., arts & crafts, story telling and nature walks are only a small part of the program. The Coconut Crew is for the 6-12 group, from 9 a.m. to 3 RETURN p.m. Lunch is included and there are field trips, outdoor games, arts and crafts and more. Summer sports camps are also a yearly feature. The prices are $10 per day per child for Parrot Pack, $30 per day per child for the Coconut Crew, and the week of Summer Camp is $200 for the week, including lunch.
GR-fl-26 Palm Beach
Number of rooms:: 336
Rates: $$$
Services: Valet, Barber shop, Beauty shop, Parking, House doctor, Babysitting, Card or other game area, hair dryer, Room service
Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: Arezzo, The Citrus Tree, Breakaway Sports Pub & Eatery, Explorers, 19th Hole
Bar: Legends
Business facilities: Copiers, Secretarial, Computers, Conference room capacity: 1,000
Sports facilities: Tennis, 3 Pools, Full Health Spa, Croquet
Location: Palm Beach County
Attractions: Dinner Theater, Mansion Museum, intercostal cruises
Course: Champion
Distance: 7,022, Par: 72
Rating: 71.8, No. of holes: 72
RETURN Guest policy: Members and guests only
Fees: **
Reservations: Time of reservation-2 days
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: No
Here it is, the golf resort that has everything and then some. Serious golf aficionados and/or hedonists will think they've gone to heaven as they immerse themselves in this utopia that is invigorating, exciting, relaxing, and luxurious. This self-contained destination, set amidst towering palms on 2340 acres fifteen miles north of Palm Beach, is the home of the Professional Golfer's Association, with four championship 18-hole courses, pollution-free air and first-rate staff waiting to treat your mind and body with the best of everything. Don't count on ordinary fare in the Explorers dining room, as Chef Jeff Summerour, from Hilton Head, SC, has discovered recipes from far-off lands that are both interesting and delectable. Palm Beach County is the heart of croquet in this country, and the United States Croquet Association's home is here, claiming the largest facility in the western hemisphere. As the home of the Women's Tennis Association, the spirit of Martina Navratilova moves around the 19 Fast Dry clay courts. There's also racquetball, a Nautilus fitness center, and a white sand beach on a 26-acre lake. Area activities include Jai Alai, polo, thoroughbred harness and dog racing, horseback riding and charter fishing boats. The fabulous shops of Worth Avenue are a short ten minutes from the resort, in case you forgot your tennis bracelet. The four courses were designed by top professionals George and Tom Fazio, and legendary Arnold Palmer. While each course is distinctive in design, the longest and most challenging is the par 72 Champion: Home RETURN of the Grand Slam, and the PGA Seniors Championships. Palmer gave it a Scottish personality with more than 100 bunkers, long Bahia grass valleys, and water on 17 holes, which provide hazards to test the most accurate shotmaker. In addition to daily clinics, individual and group lessons, the resort is celebrated for its Three Day "Killer Golf School." Whether you're new to the game, or a seasoned veteran, this intense golf instruction, grouped by ability levels, is bound to improve your game.
GR-fl-27 Panama City
Number of rooms: 110
Rates: $$
Fax: 904-234-0305
Golf Courses: Meadows, Lagoon Legend
Distance: 6,913, Par: 72, Number of holes: 36
The 1,100-Acre Playground. Marriott's Bay Point Resort give guests plenty of grounds to play. Located on a tropical wild life sanctuary overlooking St. Andrew's Bay with easy access to the Gulf of Mexico, you can tee off on 36 holes of world-class golf or swing into action on any of 12 smashing tennis courts. Lounge by any of our palm-draped pools or enjoy any of our 7 restaurants and 4 lounges. At Marriott's Bay Point Resort guest actually enjoy getting teed off. All it takes is one round of the legendary Lagoon Legend to understand why. Named by the U.S.G.A. as the "second most challenging course in the U.S.," this 18-hole monster challenges the expert as well as the novice golfer. Of course, there is a tamer side to the resort. The masterfully crafted links of Club Meadows provide a perfect complement to the beastly Legend, enticing RETURN golfers of all levels. Now the choice is yours. Choose Marriott's Bay Point Resort for your next vacation. From the endless fun-filled activities and tempting restaurants to the excellent service and beautiful accommodations, it's the perfect escape. Call our reservation Department today at 1-800-874-7105 for more information.
GR_fl-28 Pembroke Palms Number of rooms: 137
Rates: $
Golf course: Grand Palms
Distance: 6,643, Par: 72, Number of holes: 27
Spread over 500 acres of tropical foliage, this resort has something for everybody. Reserve a newly redecorated suite and come enjoy all the recreation available around you. The on-site health and fitness center has all the latest in exercise equipment. The golf course is under renovation, but eventually there will be three nines.
GR-fl-29 Pensacola
Rates: $
Golf course: Perdido Bay
Distance: 7,154, Par: 72, Number of holes: 18
Here lies one of America's top 50 golf courses, Perdido Bay Resort's 7,154- yard championship course. This one is guaranteed to challenge; several PGA professionals have already given these holes a tough test. And when you tire of grass, sport fishing or windsurfing on the glorious Gulf of Mexico offers a welcome alternative.
GR-fl-30 Pompano Beach Number of rooms:: 191
RETURN Rates: $$
Services: Valet, Barber Shop, Beauty Shop, Parking, Car hire, House doctor, World class spa with all amenities., Room service
Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: Peninsula Dining Room
Bar: Peninsula Lounge
Business facilities: Audio-visual, Conference room capacity: 500
Sports facilities: Tennis, Pool, Racquet Ball, Spa
Location: Broward County
Attractions: Harnass track, Jai Alai, greyhound race, fishing
Course: Palmaire Resort, Palms, Pines, Sabals
Distance: 6,371, Par: 72
Rating: 70.1, No. of holes: 54
Guest policy: Open to public, call for availability
Fees: *
Reservations: Nov-April, 2 days in advance
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: No
RETURN Palm-Aire is a total destination resort, 1,500 acres big 45 minutes north of the Miami International Airport, with an emphasis on golf, tennis and a major world-class fully equipped spa. There are 194 hotel rooms, each having a private terrace, and 21 suites overlooking fairways. The Peninsula Dining Room, romantic with etched, lighted mirrors, and the Peninsula Bar, mirrored with suede padding, set a tone of tropical opulence, and the Tiki Bar poolside is great for unwinding after a day's activities. Amenities include tennis courts, swimming pool, racquetball courts, a jogging trail, and use of the private beach a couple of blocks away. If you opt for the spa, plan to luxuriate in a sanctuary of total rejuvenation from whirlpools, steam rooms and saunas to massages and the hand- rubbed salts of a loofa scrub. You can tee up at any of three courses; Palms, Pines or Sabals. Chosen for three Florida Opens, and the Florida PGA in 1978, the courses are first-rate. Palms Course, was designed in 1960 by William Mitchell, an early advocate of courses designed specifically for women. #12 takes a demanding drive, playing about 400 years, with water guarding both sides of the narrow fairway. Second shot is played into a long narrow green surrounded by water and trapped on both sides. Pines is a shorter course, ranked one of the country's best public courses, and Sabals at 3401 yards is an un-intimidating "executive course" with all par 3's and 4's.
GR-fl-31 Ponte Vedra Beach,
Number of rooms:: 550
Rates: $$
Services: "Marsh Monsters" and "Grasshopper Gang"--Children's programs.
Restaurant: Augustine Room, Cabana Club
RETURN Bar: Champs Conference room capacity: 700
Sports facilities: Pools, Tennis, Croquet, Horseback riding
Location: Northern Florida
Attractions: Fishing, Sawgrass Village shopping
Course: TCP Stadium, TCP Valley, East/West/South, Marsh Landing, Oak Bridge
Distance: 5,761, Par: 72
Rating: 70.6, No. of holes: 99
Guest policy: Must be hotel guest to play
Fees: ***
Reservations: May be made with room reservation
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: Yes
Here on the white beaches of northern Florida, where sugary dunes are covered with tall sawgrass, wild flowers and sea oats, Marriott presides over a special world of golf and tennis. 650 rooms, plus beach and golf villas overlook a lake or golf course, and the windows actually open! You'll have miles of beach to explore, several swimming pools, and two excellent restaurants. Forcocktails, try Cascades in the lobby or Champs, offering live entertainment nightly. The Cabana Club Restaurant serves fresh seafood for lunch or dinner, and for breakfast and lunch you have 4 golf club dining rooms from which to choose. You can play tennis, work out, swing a croquet mallet, ride horseback, fish in 350 acres of lakes stocked RETURN for fishing, or charter a boat at a nearby marina. Shopping at Sawgrass Village will certainly help the economy. Jacksonville's International Airport is 37 miles north. If you love challenges on the course, you'll find them here, especially when the winds pick up. There are 99 holes of championship golf, including the famous par 3, 17th floating hole of the PGA Tournament Player's Club. This is the original stadium course designed by Pete Dye. The new TPC Valley Course, with hills, mounds, elevated greens and expansive waste areas is rated as one of the all-time great courses. There's also Ed Seay's Marsh Landing Course, and his Oceanside Course, plus Oak Bridge. This short and narrow course is the most forgiving. Good luck!
GR-fl-32
Ponte Vedra Rates: $101.00-$175.00
Golf Course: Ocean Course
Distance: 6,300, Number of holes: 36
Come visit 215 acres of ocean front property at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club. For a relaxing vacation or an event-packed conference, this will be an ideal choice. Two superb 18-hole golf courses, 15 all-weather tennis courts, and 3 swimming pools offer plentiful sources of recreation for the vacationer. Complete meeting facilities, accommodating groups from 20 to 300, and a professional staff will help make your conference a success.
GR-fl-32 A
Number of rooms:: 285
Rates: $$
RETURN Services: Boutique, Children's programs, Room safes, Laundry facilities, Infirmary
Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: Several
Bar: Yes
Business facilities: Telex, Fax
Sports facilities: Tennis, Pools, Water skiing, Sailing
Location: 45 min. N. of Palm Beach
Attractions: Walt Disney World, Sea World, EPCOT Center
Course: Saints
Distance: 6,557, No. of holes: 18
Guest policy: Resort guests only
Reservations: Ask about various program when booking
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: Yes
If you haven't had Club Med experience , this is probably the one to try for golf, and experience also the wonderful feeling knowing every extra is included. The resort is 45 minutes north of the Palm Beach Airport, facing the mile-wide St. Lucie River. Built on 1,000 acres, the village features accommodations in three-story riverfront lodges, a cocktail lounge, five swimming pools, a theater, a disco, and a boutique. Guests can hop aboard the shuttle service to the beach, just twenty RETURN minutes away, or choose from all sorts of activities within the village. You could play tennis, loll around the pools, water ski, try the circus workshop, check out the volleyball and basketball, tone up at aerobics and water exercises, go on a river cruise, or try bocce ball. This is the place to bring children; instructors will even teach them scuba diving in the pool. The central restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets, overlooks the river. There are two specialty restaurants, plus a pub at the clubhouse. Beyond the village, visitors can check out Walt Disney World Resort, Sea World, Kennedy Space Center, the Everglades, and deep-sea fishing in the Atlantic. Golf is the big attraction here, with a lot of attractive packages and clinics. There are two 18-hole championship courses, Sinners and (you guessed it) Saints, both designed by Mark Mahannah. In addition, there's a driving range, two putting greens, a chipping green, and a practice sand trap.
GR-fl-33 Punta Gorda Number of rooms:: 45
Rates: $
Services: Welcome gifts, turn down service, complimentary newspaper, Cable TV
Restaurant: Salty's Harborside
Bar: Castaways Lounge
Business facilities: Audio-visual, Copiers, Conference room capacity: 250
Sports facilities: Driving range, Boating, Bicycling
Location: Charlotte Harbor
Attractions: Boca Grand island excursions, Cayo Costa
RETURN Course: Burnt Store Marina
Distance: 5,809, Par: 60
Rating: 59.3, No. of holes: 18
Guest policy: Call for availability
Fees: *
Reservations: Call for tee times
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: Ltd
The Marina Inn provides one, two and three bedroom condominiums with full service kitchens, private lanais, and comfortable living and dining rooms. The real lure is the quiet sheltered cove a few miles from the Gulf on Florida's west coast. The password is uncrowded, as in beaches, waterways, even the roads. With golfing, tennis, restaurants, fishing, and all sorts of water activities, life proceeds at a slower pace here. Salty's Harborside is the ideal spot for dinner -- try the catch of the day, shrimp, and the melt-in-the-mouth key lime pie, as you watch the dolphins play. Then move into the Oar Room Lounge for live entertainment. The Gasparilla Conference Center has the capacity for up to 300. With the Gulf at your doorstep, you can literally cruise the local scene. Visit Cayo Costa, Cabbage Key and Boca Grand, or charter a boat for deep sea fishing. Landlubbers might want to visit Fisherman's Village with over 40 boutiques and specialty shops. The 18 hole par 60 executive golf course designed by Ron Garl is a flat layout with plenty of water. You can visit the driving range or putting green before teeing off, and lessons are available from the pro. A second nine, par 29, was designed by RETURN Mark McCumber, also credited with Dunes Country Club on neighboring Sanibel Island.
GR-fl-34 Longmeadow Dr and TENNIS club
Number of rooms: 12
Rates: up to $100.00
Golf Course: Highlands
Number of holes: 54
Welcome to endless recreation and the amenities of a fine resort. This is Meadows Golf & Tennis Resort, where beautifully furnished villas will be your home for the stay. You'll choose from 3 different golf courses, all of them challenging, and 16 tennis courts at the Meadows Racquet Club. Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the azure waters of Sarasota Bay. Boats are available for rent nearby.
GR-fl-35 St. Augustine Number of rooms: 194
Rates: $
Fax: 904-829-6108
Golf course: Ponce de Leon Resort
Distance: 6,878, Par: 72, Number of holes: 18
Resort is located on 350 landscaped acres, adjacent to the inland waterway. It boasts six Deco Turf II tennis courts, huge pool and fountains. Both hotel accommodations and villas are available. Tours of St. Augustine depart from the hotel lobby. Other tours are available. Deep sea fishing, sailing and water skiing are easily scheduled through the resort.
RETURN GR-fl-36 Tallahassee Number of rooms: 39
Rates: $
Fax: 904-668-7637
Golf course: Killearn South/East/North
Distance: 7,025, Par: 72, Number of holes: 27
Escape to Killearn Country Club & Inn and their 27-hole championship golf course, the home of the PGA Centel Classic. A qualified staff of PGA professionals are on hand to offer hints on how to attack the course. For other sources of recreation, 8 tennis courts, an olympic size pool, and a fitness center are available to you.
GR-fl-37 Tarpon Springs
Number of rooms:: 1000
Rates: $$
Services: Babysitting, Car hire, Beach Shuttle, Hair Salon, Tanning salon, Valet, Laundry, Safety deposit, Massage therapy, Room service
Restaurant: Copperhead Grille, Toscana, Sandpiper
Bar: Hacker's Pub
Business facilities: Audio-visual, Typing, Conference room capacity: 1,200
Sports facilities: Tennis, Fitness Center, Pool, Bicycles
Location: Tampa area
RETURN Attractions: Fishing, Dali Art Museum,St. Armand's Key shopping
Course: Copperhead, Island, Sandpiper/First/Second/Third
Distance: 6,440, Par: 71
Rating: 70.8, No. of holes: 63
Guest policy: Open to guests of resort
Fees: ***
Reservations: May be made 48 hours in advance
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: No
Hills? In this part of Florida? You bet. Innisbrook, sister resort of Durango's Tamarron, also operated by Golf Hosts, is a woodsy kaleidoscope of citrus groves, perfumed hibiscus, lakes and moss-laden pines. It,s also a well-respected golf and tennis resort, plus it has a noted health and sports institute where professionals assess your overall athletic abilities, then tailor a program to help you meet your goals. The thousand acre estate is located a few miles south of the fishing and Greek sponge diving town of Tarpon Springs, on the Gulf of Mexico coast. Tampa International Airport is a 25 minute limousine drive away, and for those coming by Amtrak, Clearwater station is closest. Guests stay in condominium complexes, the largest being a 2,000 square feet two-bedroom suite which can sleep up to six.Tennis is big here, and the facilities are geared to the serious player, as well as we mortals who love a recreational game or two. 18 tennis courts, 11 of which are Vel-Play composition clay, and 7 faster, firm-surfaced Laykold courts are available. This is the home of the Australian Tennis RETURN Institute, featuring an individualized program of small- group clinic instruction. The large tennis and racquetball center has four racquetball courts, and a well-stocked shop carrying every accessory imaginable. Catfish, blue gill and bass are stocked in the resort's lakes, and you can rent the rods needed to reel in the big ones. Other diversions include a fitness center, miniature golf, bicycles, 6 swimming pools, charter fishing and sailing, and a pretty beach just minutes away. Suggested area attractions include the Dali Art Museum in St. Petersburg, sports events at Tampa Stadium, the live sponge diving show at Spongeorama in Tarpon Springs, and shopping excursions to nearby St. Armand's Key. Lucky is the golfer who can play all 63 holes here. Copperhead, rated the state's #1 course in 1986, is three nines. A tough tournament course, its fairways are bordered by towering native pines, with plenty of water coming into play. Sandpiper, shortest of the three, requires accurate iron play as each hole is well defined by bunkers and water. Island, first course to open, in the fall of 1970, is a par 72 hilly layout with many heavily wooded areas.
GR-fl-37 Tampa
Number of rooms:: 770
Rates: $$
Services: Valet, Barber/Beauty Salon, Valet parking, Car rental, Babysitting, Laundry, Concierge, Room service
Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: Cypress Room
Bar: Polo Lounge
Business facilities: Secretarial, Telex, Fax, Conference room capacity: 1,800
RETURN Sports facilities: Pool, Tennis, Fitness center, Fishing, Bicycling
Location: Tampa Bay area
Attractions: Busch Gardens, Walt Disney World, Cypress Gardens
Course: Saddlebrook Course, Palmer Course
Distance: 6,603, Par: 70
Rating: 69.3, No. of holes: 36
Guest policy: Call for availability
Fees: ***
Reservations: May be made one week in advance
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: No
What was once orange grove in the lush Land O' Lakes area approximately 15 miles north of Tampa, and later a residential golf and country club community created by touring pro Dean Refram, is now a 480-acre award-winning golf and tennis resort. California contemporary in style, with shake roofs, manicured gardens, and paths meandering through gardens, the resort sprawls through countryside dotted with tall cypress, pines, palms, lakes and rolling hills. Guests stay in privately owned deluxe guest rooms, and one and two-bedroom condominium suites clustered around the resort's half-million gallon Superpool, and are no more than a 5 minute walk to all meeting, dining and recreational facilities. Dining options include The Cypress Room, the charming lounge and greenhouse known as The Little Club, adjoining Little Club Patio and RETURN poolside Snack Shack. Home of the national headquarters of the United States Professional Tennis Association and a regional United States Tennis Association training center, the tennis complex boasts a total of 45 courts; 31 Har-Tru (5 lit for night play), 10 Laykold, 2 grass, and 2 clay. The Superpool complex, the length of a football field, can't be ignored; it is practically a resort by itself. Surrounded by sundecks, and gardens, the free-form creation features racing lanes and children's play areas. Supervised programs for children are available during holidays and in the summer. The Jockey Club Fitness Center lacks nothing. With separate facilities for men and women, guests have access to the latest equipment and amenities while following a personalized fitness program. Busch Gardens is a 20 minute drive from the resort, with Cypress Gardens and its acres of botanical flamboyance approximately 40 minutes away. Orlando attractions and Gulf of Mexico beaches are approximately 60 minutes away. The Saddlebrook Course and the Palmer Course are the resort's magnets. Saddlebrook, while not as hilly, was designed by Dean Refram and Arnold Palmer, and built in 1976. A swampy area naturally, the championship course utilizes water on 13 holes. Greens are large, with open approaches, and more than enough pine and cypress trees. Palmer's layout was completed in 1985, and as a par 71, players concur that with its rolling, undulating terrain, level lies are a rarity. Should you desire a thirst- quencher, a refreshment cart is usually within chipping distance.
GR-fl-38 West Palm Beach
Number of rooms:: 100
Rates: $
Services: Valet, Garage and parking, Car hire, International currency exchange, Complimentary shoeshine, House doctor, RETURN Babysitting, Card/game area, Laundry, Room service
Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: Four dining rooms
Bar: Players Club
Business facilities: Secretarial, Audio-visual, Conference room capacity: 60
Sports facilities: Tennis, Handball, Polo, Health Spa, Croquet, Riding, Pool, Fitness center
Location: Palm Beach County
Attractions: Worth Avenue, Dog Track, Jai Alai
Course: Dunes Course, Cypress Course, Olde Course
Distance: 5,516, Par: 72
Rating: 73.4, No. of holes: 45
Guest policy: Call for availability
Fees: **
Reservations: Must be made 48 hours in advance
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: No
This is the international home of polo: we mean white breeches, mallets, 7-1/2 minute-long chukkers and the Piaget $100,000 World Cup Championships. The Club is recognized as the international headquarters for the sport of kings, with ten polo fields, club house and an equestrian center. Guests stay in contemporary Florida-style condominiums with fairway of lake views, and have the use of a tennis center with 24 courts, (all three surfaces), two croquet lawns, numerous swimming pools and a full health spa. Additional amenities include rowing clinics, bicycle rentals, squash and racquetball. Three clubhouses scattered about the grounds house four dining rooms. Prince Watchers, be alert! Prince Charles has visited here four times, as have other assorted royalty. Bring your credit cards because Worth Avenue is only 20 minutes away. The ocean is a half hour away, and the concierge will be glad to help you arrange a deep sea fishing excursion. If you're coming for golf, you won't be disappointed. Three top designers have had a hand here. 1976 U.S. Open winner Jerry Pate teamed up with Ron Garl to design the Dunes--a Scottish style links course with treacherous pot bunkers, extensive mounding, grass traps and fairways full of swales and ripples. There's also Cypress Course by Pete and P. B. Dye. There's still another nine, the fabulous Fazio holes from 1978. Site of the PGA Chrysler Team Championship held annually in December, all 45 holes are in excellent shape.
golfARIZONA <GR-AR-1
Number of rooms: 105
Rates: $
Fax: 501-362-8900
Golf course: Red Apple
Distance: 6,450, Par: 71, Number of holes: 18
RETURN You'll marvel at the handsome architecture of this inn, where timber and moss rock blends perfectly with the gorgeous surroundings. Stay at the Inn, where each room is individually decorated with hand-carved furniture from Italy and Spain, or choose Red Apple's condominiums, the essence of quiet elegance. Enjoy tennis or golf. Ski, sail, fish, or cruise on the 40,000-acre clear water lake.
GR-AR-2
Rates: up to $100.00
Number of holes: 27
Welcome to a vacation paradise of mountains and lakes, a place where there's something for everyone. Completely furnished accommodations range from simple to super luxurious, and recreation ranges from water-skiing for the adventurous to golfing. For the water bound, there's even a full-service marina to provide whatever you need.
GR-NC-1
Number of rooms: 278
Rates: $
Golf course: Ridge Runner
Distance: 5,400, Par: 72, Number of holes: 18
One hundred twenty landscaped acres in the Appalachians have been reserved for you at the Great Smokies Hilton Resort. Eager golfers will rise early to challenge the 5,111-yard course surrounding the hotel. Tennis players may want to get in a RETURN morning game on one of 8 courts as well. Stop for a hearty meal at one of the hotel's restaurants, then visit the famous sites in the area, from the Biltmore Estate to the Cherokee Reservation.
GR-NC-2
Number of rooms: 278
Rates: $
Golf course: Ridge Runner
Distance: 5,400, Par: 72, Number of holes: 18
One hundred twenty landscaped acres in the Appalachians have been reserved for you at the Great Smokies Hilton Resort. Eager golfers will rise early to challenge the 5,111-yard course surrounding the hotel. Tennis players may want to get in a morning game on one of 8 courts as well. Stop for a hearty meal at one of the hotel's restaurants, then visit the famous sites in the area, from the Biltmore Estate to the Cherokee Reservation.
GR-NC-3
Number of rooms: 175
Rates: $175.00 and up
Golf Course: Sugar Mountain
Par: 64, Number of holes: 18
From spacious rooms at the Sugar Ski and Country Club to luxury 3-bedroom units at Skyleaf Villas, you'll find something to suit your every need. There's a par 64 executive golf course on the premises and numerous other courses only minutes RETURN away. For tennis buffs there are 6 tennis courts, for horse lovers there are horseback riding trails through the mountain, and for avid shoppers there are plenty of mountain craft shops to discover.
GR-NC-4
Number of rooms:: 27
Rates: $$
Services: Valet, Beauty shop, House doctor, Babysitting, Card or other game area, Room service
Restrictions: Pets limited, please ask.
Restaurant: Main Dining Room
Bar: Brown bagging
Business facilities: Secretarial, Audio-visual, Conference room capacity: 60
Sports facilities: Pool, Tennis, Skiing
Location: Blue Ridge Mountains
Attractions: Horn in the West Drama, Tweetsie Railroad
Course: Hound Ears Club
Distance: 6,015, Par: 72
Rating: 68.3, No. of holes: 18
Fees: *
Reservations: May be made 2 days in advance
RETURN Season: April--October
Guest carry clubs: Yes
Hounds Ears. An intriguing name, an intriguing place. The name comes from a unique rock formation resembling huge ears that dominate the mountain ridge above the club. The Lodge has a cozy, intimate atmosphere, where the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina seem to come right to the door. It's a rather small four-season resort, remote and secluded, yet offering an atmosphere where service and comfort are at a premium. Where the staff remembers your name, and your bed is turned down each evening. Guests in the lodge will enjoy bedrooms opening onto balconies with panoramic views of the golf course and Grandfather Mountain beyond. Longer stays can be arranged for clubhouse suites, chalets and condominiums. The dining room is intimate, done in sea-greens and warm garden colors, but doesn't lack excitement when Gene Fleri plays the organ, and a staff of enthusiastic young people are serving tables. Rainbow trout so fresh it practically quivers is available most evenings, and the ice cream pie is decadent. Piano and organ favorites can be enjoyed in the lively Brown Bagg Lounge, and the dance floor is known as the hot spot of Blowing Rock! Swimming at Hounds Ears is an adventure not to be missed! Just finding the pool is a feat, but you'll understand why it's so remote. The huge rock grotto adjoining the pool and pavilion create a setting of unsurpassed natural beauty, no matter what the hour. Excellent stables and bridle trails, are located in Cone National Park, a few miles from the club. This is antique and craft country, or if old railroads fascinate you, the Tweetsie is but a whistle stop away. Glendale Springs, famous for frescoes, is nearby, as is Crabtree, Tennessee, site of Roan Mountain. Golf here is on one of the most interesting and scenic mountain courses in America. Water comes into play on seventeen holes--in the form of streams, lakes and rushing waterfalls. Expect a few RETURN hills, but its pretty flat for the area, and thirteen of the holes are dog legs. The 15th is extraordinary--a par 3 of 110 yards with a sixty foot vertical drop, and water everywhere! Four bunkers await your finesse with a sand wedge.
GR-NC-5
Number of rooms: 34
Rates: $101.00-$175.00
Golf Course: Springdale
Distance: 6,812, Par: 72, Number of holes: 18
Unique touches to make your stay more comfortable, great food, superb accommodations, and a golf course to test even the most experienced golfers...this is what you'll find at the Springdale Country Club. You'll have the use of a complimentary golf cart for the duration of your stay, and many guests find it a convenient and fun way of getting around the resort. Some of the lovely cottages include a kitchen and fireplace.
GR-NC-6
Number of rooms:: 130
Rates: $$
Services: Valet, Library, Parking, Babysitting, Card/game area, Laundry
Restrictions: Pets limited, please ask., Kennels
Restaurant: High Hampton Inn
Bar: Rock Mountain Tavern
RETURN Business facilities: Secretarial, Copiers, FAX, Conference room capacity: 300
Sports facilities: Swimming, Tennis, Hiking, Biking, Croquet, Sailing, Boating
Location: Jackson County
Attractions: Quaint shopping, many waterfalls, fishing
Course: High Hampton Inn
Distance: 6,012, Par: 71
Rating: 67.5, No. of holes: 18
Guest policy: Call for availability
Fees: *
Reservations: One day in advance
Season: April--November
Guest carry clubs: Yes
Originally the private summer home of the Hamptons, the High Hampton retains a proud history that goes back to the 19th century. Friends of the Hamptons enjoyed hunting, fishing, relaxing, and gracious hospitality on the 1200-acre estate when General Wade Hampton was head of the household. Today, guests from around the world are privy to their private getaway hidden high in the Cashiers Valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Under the protection of Rock Mountain and Chimney Top Mountain, the beauty of North Carolina has been preserved in this lush green valley. Even the way food is prepared is untainted here. High Hampton's menu features American cuisine with selected original recipes from their own RETURN kitchen. Breads, rolls, muffins and biscuits are homemade. Even the fresh vegetables and herbs that go into each dish are home grown in the Inn's own gardens. You'll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beautiful outdoors. Not only is golfing plentiful, but there are eight fast-dry tennis courts ready for play. Sweeping vistas and a profusion of wildflowers enhance the joy of hiking on miles of well-marked trails. And water sports such as swimming, sailing, canoeing, rowing and pedal boating on Hampton Lake are always popular. Another favorite is fishing for rainbow trout, bass, and bream. With ample casting areas and a reputation as one of the best fly-fishing areas in the region, Hampton Lake is a mecca forfishing enthusiasts. This par 71 course with bent grass greens is on a gently rolling plateau at 3600 feet in the Cashiers Valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's one of nature's masterpieces, with a different view of woods, or lakes, or mountains, or of all three, from every hole. And the pleasure of playing it matches its beauty--whether it's spring's blossoms and wildflowers, summer's azure skies or autumn's fiery colors. A bird's eye view shows the 8th hole as a very narrow finger of land pointing far into a lake. Talk about a water hazard! A shot struck just a shade too lightly or a shade too firmly will drop not into the cup but into the water. The par 3, 137 yard jewel requires intense concentration. You try to ignore the sailboats skimming by like butterflies, but you don't dare admire the scenery until after you've negotiated it.
GR-NC-7
Rates: $
Services: Large rooms, Color cable TV, Dressing areas, Conference room capacity: 75
Sports facilities: Pool, Pro shop, 3 putting greens
Location: 45 min. from Asheville
RETURN Attractions: Peaceful countryside near Blue Ridge Mountains
Course: Etowah Valley Golf Lodge
Par: 72
Rating: 70.0, No. of holes: 27
Guest policy: Open to public, guest have priority
Fees: *
Reservations: May be made 5 days in advance
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: Ltd
This is a small (70 guests at a time) golf lodge. All the rooms are the same -- large, spacious, each with a balcony overlooking the mountains and fairway. The shingled buildings cluster around a central lodge where breakfast and dinner are served. There are three putting greens, (one lighted), driving range, heated pool, clubhouse and meeting facilities for 75 people. As a lodge guest you can enjoy the racquet and health club facilities at a nearby club. The countryside, between the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains, is fertile and heavily wooded. Spring and fall are extraordinary, as soft blossoms become lush green, then are ablaze with fall color. The bent grass greens are probably some of the largest in the south -- some as large as 9,000 feet, as the course winds through rolling valleys. The course is designed to eliminate ball crossover from one fairway to another, insuring uninterrupted play. Golfers encounter a combination of traps and natural hazards, such as meandering streams and duck ponds.
RETURN GR-NC-8
Rates: $$
Golf course: East & West Course
Course Designer: Gene Hamm
Distance: 6,851, Par: 72, Number of holes: 36
Welcome to the home of the Golf Hall of Fame and a golf resort that's made a name for itself in the Pinehurst area of the North Carolina Sandhills. This is Foxfire Resort & Country Club, where you'll find 36 holes of golf, tennis, swimming, fishing, and miles of verdant countryside at the doorstep of your custom single-family home or attached villa. Make this your vacation paradise for a weekend or stay here for a lifetime.
GR-NC-9
Number of rooms: 34
Rates: $$
Golf course: Lake Toxaway CC
Par: 72, Number of holes: 18
Enjoy the charm and elegance of life in this restored Swiss revival mansion set amidst the majestic splendor of mountains, lakes, and waterfalls. Each of 20 mansion suites and 12 lakefront rooms is handsomely furnished with antiques and period reproductions. You'll have full privileges at adjacent Lake Toxaway Country Club. And at sunset, join the Inn's owner for a party boat cruise on the 28-foot Mountain Lily II.
RETURN it opened in 1900. Guests came then, as they do now, to experience the mild climate, the gracious lifestyle, fine dining and their favorite sports. Roosevelt, Rockefeller, DuPont and Morgan found it the ideal place to relax...and so will you. Recreation is important; you'll choose from sporting options that include exhilarating horseback riding on 75 miles of beautiful Carolina trails, nine shooting ranges for trap or skeet, tennis amid the swaying pines on 28 top courts, sailing and boating on a private 200-acre lake, and a complete health club. Don't miss the Golf Hall of Fame. To golf enthusiasts, Pinehurst is synonymous with the game, for here in the "Golf Capital of the World", are seven championship courses--among the finest in the world. 1. Laid out in 1899 by Donald Ross, Number One is tree-lined and very tight. 2. This celebrated legend, Number 2, features small, sloping greens, deep bunkers, loose sandy soil, and rough accented by "love grass." 3. A short (6092 yards) and sporty layout, Number 3 has the greatest variety of designs. The opening holes roll through hilly, forested terrain before opening into a more Scottish setting, complete with whins and gentle rolls. 4. The latest renovation to Ross' original design was in 1983, when Rees Jones made the course a "fairer test for high handicappers, yet still a challenging course for long hitters." 5. With new tees, bunkers and water hazards added to Ellis Maples' 1928 design, the 15th hole is perhaps the most pictured hole at Pinehurst. 6. Opened in 1979, this George and Tom Fazio creation is three miles from the main club and presents an entirely different backdrop and feel. 7. The newest addition to Pinehurst Country Club's family of courses, the part 72 beauty takes advantage of the rolling terrain and features native marshes and streams on several holes. Green fees vary, and several courses have an additional surcharge.
GR-NC-10
Number of rooms: 73
RETURN Rates: $
Golf course: Sea Trails (5 minutes away)
Distance: 6,332, Par: 72, Number of holes: 54
Seven miles of white sand beach untainted by high rise hotels, tennis and golf year round on facilities of national renown, fabulous fishing from the pier or on a chartered deep sea boat, and swimming with the rhythm of the ocean waves. These are just some of the luxuries you'll come to love at The Winds, where you'll find accommodations from studios to executive spa houses that will suit you.
GR-NC-11
Number of rooms: 76
Rates: $
Golf course: Whispering Woods (6 miLES)
Distance: 6,450, Par: 70, Number of holes: 18
In the heart of the Village of Pinehurst is the gorgeous Holly Inn, completely restored to its 1895 Victorian splendor. Details in every room capture the graceful essence of the past, from the exquisitely appointed guest rooms to the elegant dining rooms. And the excitement doesn't stop when you step outdoors. Choose from Donald Ross-designed golf courses, tennis, swimming, horseback riding, skeet shooting, sailing, and more.
GR-NC-12
Number of rooms:: 356
RETURN Rates: $$
Services: Valet, Barber shop, Beauty shop, Car hire, House doctor, Babysitting, Card/game area, Laundry, Room service
Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: Carolina Dining Room
Bar: Lobby Bar
Business facilities: Secretarial, Copiers, Conference room capacity: 600
Sports facilities: Pool, Tennis, Croquet, Riding, Sailing
Location: Sandhills North Carolina
Attractions: PGA World Golf Hall of Fame, historic tours
Course: Pinehurst, Number Four, #1, #2, #3, #5, #6, #7
Distance: 6,371, Par: 72
Rating: 71.5, No. of holes: 126
Guest policy: Must be a guest in hotel to play
Fees: **
Reservations: May be made up to 60 days in advance
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: No, Caddies
Nestled amidst the tall pines and oaks in the sand hills of North Carolina, the Pinehurst Hotel and Country Club has RETURN played host to business and recreation since it opened in 1900. Guests came then, as they do now, to experience the mild climate, the gracious lifestyle, fine dining and their favorite sports. Roosevelt, Rockefeller, DuPont and Morgan found it the ideal place to relax...and so will you. Recreation is important; you'll choose from sporting options that include exhilarating horseback riding on 75 miles of beautiful Carolina trails, nine shooting ranges for trap or skeet, tennis amid the swaying pines on 28 top courts, sailing and boating on a private 200-acre lake, and a complete health club. Don't miss the Golf Hall of Fame. To golf enthusiasts, Pinehurst is synonymous with the game, for here in the "Golf Capital of the World", are seven championship courses--among the finest in the world. 1. Laid out in 1899 by Donald Ross, Number One is tree-lined and very tight. 2. This celebrated legend, Number 2, features small, sloping greens, deep bunkers, loose sandy soil, and rough accented by "love grass." 3. A short (6092 yards) and sporty layout, Number 3 has the greatest variety of designs. The opening holes roll through hilly, forested terrain before opening into a more Scottish setting, complete with whins and gentle rolls. 4. The latest renovation to Ross' original design was in 1983, when Rees Jones made the course a "fairer test for high handicappers, yet still a challenging course for long hitters." 5. With new tees, bunkers and water hazards added to Ellis Maples' 1928 design, the 15th hole is perhaps the most pictured hole at Pinehurst. 6. Opened in 1979, this George and Tom Fazio creation is three miles from the main club.
GR-NC-13
Number of rooms: 32
Golf Course: High Meadows
Distance: 6,185, Par: 72, Number of holes: 18, USGA: 69.0
RETURN Come join a friendly community living amidst sleeping giants covered with hickory, beech, and maple trees, nearly 3,000 feet above the rest of the world. Make this your weekend getaway or your home year round, you'll always appreciate the tranquility of beautiful surroundings. The Country Club's limited membership means a more relaxed atmosphere while you golf, tennis, or just lounge around.
GR-NC-14
Golf Course: Hawk's Nest
Distance: 6,153, Par: 71, Number of holes: 18
Set 4,000 feet above sea level, Hawk's Nest's 18-hole course offers spectacular views and a clean mountain atmosphere unlike any other. Host to special events like the "Night-Lite" golf ball tournament and the Men and Ladies Association Weekly Shoot-Outs, this means challenging hours ahead. And the clubhouse will be your favorite resting place after a game.
GR-NC-15
Number of rooms: 224
Rates: $$$
Golf course: North Shore
Distance: 6,900, Number of holes: 18
St. Regis remains a secret retreat, located on one of the last undeveloped islands on the eastern seaboard. In this unspoiled atmosphere, you can really enjoy golf, tennis, sailing, and more. If you came to work, St. Regis's staff and facilities can accommodate groups of 5 to 500. But when it's time to relax, you'll appreciate the comfort of plush suites, all with grand RETURN ocean views.
GR-NC-16
Number of rooms: 67
Rates: $101.00-$175.00
Golf Course: Pine Needles
Distance: 6,070, Par: 71, Number of holes: 18
Pine Needles is a small, intimate resort for those who desire a private club away from home offering the finest in accommodations, recreation and dining. The rustic club-house overlooks one of the most popular golf courses in the Pinehurst area. Pine Needles is home to the celebrated Golfari Golf Schools. Other modern ameneties include a spa, pool and lighted tennis courts.
GR-NC-17
Number of rooms: 90
Rates: $
Golf course: Waynesville CC
Distance: 3,000, Par: 35, Number of holes: 27
Built in the 1920's, the stately Waynesville Country Club Inn only further enhances the already beautiful mountain landscape. Even the most discriminating guests will enjoy the old-fashioned hospitality found at this first-class resort.
RETURN GR-SC-1
Number of rooms:: 450
Rates: On Request
Services: Valet, Parking, Room service
Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: Jasmine Porch
Bar: Topsider
Business facilities: Audio-visual, Telex, Conference room capacity: 600
Sports facilities: Pool, Tennis
Location: Charleston County
Attractions: Historic district, Citadel Mall
Course: Turtle Point, Marsh Point, Ocean, Osprey Point
Distance: 6,889, Par: 72
Rating: 73.5, No. of holes: 72
Guest policy: Call for availability, resort rate
Fees: **
Reservations: Call for times
Season: Year round
RETURN Guest carry clubs: Yes
You'll be living in the midst of centuries-old buried treasures, a reputedly haunted mansion and one of the most well-preserved natural environments, all with the best that modern resort vacationing can provide at Kiawah Island Resort Present-day visitors to Kiawah Island enjoy virtually the same breathtaking first impression that the island's original guests, the Kiawah Indians, did. Only 21 miles from Charleston the semitropical character of this haven has remained virtually undisturbed for millennia. Indeed, many of the magnificent oak trees in Kiawah's dense maritime forest have been here for hundreds of years. Island dining takes on a unique flavor all its own as outstanding dishes are prepared to complement the island's mild climate. At the Indigo House, American cuisine features excellent shrimp, lobster and succulent beef. Few resorts sequestered in beautiful settings have been successful in combining aesthetics, a spirit of ecological preservation, and three very different courses offering exhilarating golf. Meet an exception. The first course, Marsh Point, was designed by Gary Player, who felt that a player needs a course where there's a chance to make pars, but will require touch to recover if he goes for the green and misses. The fifth here is a short par-4 bordering the inlet, and the green is waiting for you on a platform island smack in the middle of the marsh. The Nicklaus course, Turtle Point, is longer, wider, easier to chip to, and every hole with a water hazard has a "bail-out", but it's by no means an easier eighteen. Number 12 is a favorite. It lacks water, but it's long, and rather tight, with a foreboding bunker like a big dog's paw fronting the green. The scenery on Tom Fazio's Osprey Point Course is absolutely awesome. Sierra Clubbers and John Audubon himself could swap tales of myrtle, magnolias, egrets, otters, deer, and the osprey, a rare hawk who makes this region his home. The course is built on a series of islands, and you cross ten wooden bridges during a round. The last hole is a roller-RETURN coaster par-5 monster encompassing water, treacherous bunkers, and a narrow landing area for your second shot that won't be charitable to a hooker.
GR-SC-2
Number of rooms:: 340
Rates: $
Services: Oversized guest rooms, Handicapped (8 rooms), Cable TV, Radio, Media rentals, Spouse programs, Full health spa, Room service
Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: Pompanos, The Veranda
Bar: The Mockingbird
Business facilities: Audio-visual, Fax, Conference room capacity: 1,100
Sports facilities: Tennis, Pools, Fishing, Boating, Riding
Location: Low Country
Attractions: Harbour Town, Daufuskie Island tours
Course: Shipyard Golf Club Galleon/Brigantine/Clipper
Distance: 6,167, Par: 72
Rating: 69.7, No. of holes: 27
Guest policy: Check for availability
RETURN Fees: **
Reservations: Up to 2 weeks in advance.
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: Ltd
Located within Shipyard Plantation's 800 private acres, this oceanside hotel offers a wide range of family and individual activities. Guests will find two restaurants, a lounge, indoor and outdoor pools, with easy access to shops and sightseeing. Located in a tropically landscaped setting, there is a beautiful stretch of clean sandy beach for you to roam. There are tours of historic Savannah and Beaufort, browsing in Harbour Town's shops, tennis galore, musical events, and incredible fishing, both in the saltmarshes and big game fishing in the Gulf Stream 65 miles offshore. For nature lovers, Hilton Head Island is a unique and complex wonder. Expect to see the Cabbage Palmetto, beautiful white egrets and the graceful osprey, as well as the white-tailed deer, and alligators who co-habit the island with the growing population of people. Developers have let them remain in their natural habitat, and signs asking people to refrain from feeding them are common. Marriott guests can tee off at Shipyard Golf Club, home of the Hilton Head Seniors International, and numerous Senior PGA events. It's a narrow 27 hole course with water hazards on 25 holes. You'll wander through tall pines, magnolias and moss-draped oaks, and over lagoons and ponds which must be avoided to match par.
GR-SC-3
Number of rooms: 300
Rates: $
RETURN You'll find a world of recreation adventure to fill your days at the Hilton Head Island Beach & Tennis Resort. Step outside your villa to find the ocean lapping at the edge of the beach, ten championship tennis courts, catamarans ready for sailing, a large fresh water pool, and of course, numerous championship golf courses just minutes away.
GR-SC-4
Number of rooms:: 500
Rates: $
Services: Linens, Kitchen utensils, Washers/Dryers, Color TV, Daily or weekly housekeeping, Grocery store, Specialty shops.
Restaurant: The Hemingway, Pralines
Bar: Club Indigo
Business facilities: Complete business facilities, Conference room capacity: 200
Sports facilities: Tennis, Bicycling, Canoes, Pools
Location: Waterfront
Attractions: Ten miles of man made lagoons, 25 tennis courts
Course: Arthur Hill, George Fazio, Robert Trent Jonrs
Distance: 6,122, Par: 72
Rating: 69.3, No. of holes: 54
Guest policy: Open to public, call for availability
RETURN Fees: **
Reservations: May be made 2 mo. in advance
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: No
This balmy, 1,800 acre relaxed development represents a unique mingling of residential and resort amenities. The resort area is highlighted by 54 holes of unsurpassed golf, the Rod Laver Tennis Center, a 505 room beachfront Hyatt Regency, and the Mariner's Clarion Inn. Pass the security gates of this attractive lowcountry private environment, and you'll find spacious condominiums and single family vacation homes. Everything is spread out and you get the feeling that the architects weren't sardine-packers. Bicycles paths cross sleepy lagoons, residences are on large lots, dolphins play offshore, while egrets, pipers, and pelicans share the broad hard-packed beach with runners and families. Shelter Cove, bordering a meandering creek, is a self- contained marine community containing shops, restaurants, office condominiums, and boat slips. You can do as much or as little as you want -- there are pages of restaurants from which to choose, nightlife, swimming pools, tennis facilities, canoe rentals, organized nature walks, theater, special events such as tournaments and festivals, and children's programs. Golf options include three courses designed by three of the game's greatest names. The Robert Trent Jones layout is highlighted by a unique winding lagoon system which comes into play on 11 holes. Bunkers are huge, and greens are built up on the sides and back by rolling mounds. #10 is a long par 5, with a green sitting on the Atlantic's edge. The George Fazio course is a familiar name to followers of Golf Digest's list of America's 100 best. The 16th hole features a few of the course's yawning fairways and greenside bunkers. With only two par 5's, you've got a series RETURN of long par 4's that require long accurate second shots to reach the narrow greens. Opened for play in 1986, the Arthur Hills course is characterized by palmettos, dramatic elevation changes, continuous lines of dunes and some stiff ocean breezes. There's a unique seaside character here, complete with beautiful salt marshes, rolling fairways and lagoons which come into play on 10 holes. Be careful looking for your ball on the muddy banks -- that placid looking alligator doesn't know a bogey from a birdie.
GR-SC-5
Number of rooms: 502
Rates: Up to $100
Services: Garage and parking, Babysitting, Laundry
Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: Gold Eagle Tavern
Bar: Gold Eagle
Conference room capacity: 500
Sports facilities: Pool, Tennis, Riding, Sail, Bicycles
Location: Hilton Head
Attractions: Historic Savannah & Beaufort, Comm. Playhouse
Course: Harbour Town Golf Links
Distance: 5,824, Par: 71
RETURN Rating: 70.0, Number of holes: 18
Guest Policy: Call for availability
Pro's Name: Cray C. Corbitt
Fees: $46.00 to $75.00
Reservations: 24 hrs.-14 days depending on season
Season: Year round
Guest Carry Clubs: Yes
Many people know this as Sea Pines Plantation--home of Harbour Town Golf Links, sub-tropical forests, salt marshes and sleepy lagoons zig-zagging across gentle, wide beaches, hiking, bird-watching, and fresh-from-the-dock-seafood. Meet the new Sea Pines Resorts, a re-organized giant now encompassing Sea Pines Plantation, Shipyard Plantation, and Port Royal Resort. Perched down at the tip of coastal South Carolina, just 45 minutes from Savannah.With 500 condominiums and townhouses, plus private houses, its a matter of preference--waterfront, fairway or woodland view. The island is crawling in restaurants, and at Sea Pines you can opt for prime rib and crab legs The Gold Eagle Tavern, or the Sea Pines Beach Club during the summer. More than two dozen pools, three top-notch racquet clubs are available with 50 grass, hard and clay courts, bicycle riding, beachcombing (great after a winter or fall storm) riding, croquet, and hiking on fifteen miles of quiet trails await the family vacationing here. Of course windsurfing, sailing, deep-sea and freshwater fishing, waterskiing and good old guilt-free beach-lounging is to be enjoyed. World-famous as a golfer's paradise, Hilton Head is home of Harbour Town Links. Site of the annual MCI Heritage Classic, its course rating in a walloping 74 from the championship tees, RETURN certainly one of the highest anywhere. Pete Dye designed this classic beauty, with Nicklaus as consultant. Highly touted by tour pros, this toughie is a shot makers course--not long, but very demanding--a real pond-lovers dream, with smallish fast greens, 80-yard bunkers, railroad ties and ticklish par threes. Ocean and Sea Marsh courses, designed by George Cobb, were the first courses to be built on the island. With holes bordering the Atlantic, egrets to admire, giant oaks draped with Spanish moss, and traps galore, these are fun courses to play. Down the way at shipyard Golf Course, the designer courses include the original Cobb 18, plus a more recent nine by Willard Byrd. Ready for more? Try Port Royal's three 18-hole courses. Willard Byrd was here, too, on the tight, winding Planter's Row. At par-72 Robber's Row and Barony, both George Cobb products, players delight at undulating greens and historic plaques on tees. Can't you just taste the she-crab soup on a deck overlooking the water after a euphoric round on the links?
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Number of rooms:: 410
Rates: $$
Services: Valet, Barber & Beauty shops, Garage & Parking, Car hire, Babysitting, Laundry, Art Gallery, Room service, Complete beach service, Newsstand
Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: Carolina Cafe, Barony Grill, Pelican
Bar: Gazebo, Playful Pelican
Business facilities: Complete business service center
RETURN Sports facilities: 3 Pools, Tennis, Crocket, Polo, Sailing, Health club
Location: Sea side
Attractions: Harbortown, Shelter Cove, Savannah--45 minutes.
Course: Port Royal Golf Club
Distance: 6,038, Par: 72
Rating: 68.7, No. of holes: 54
Guest policy: Guests have priority tee times
Fees: **
Reservations: Contact the pro shop
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: No
No need for devotees of the Inter-Continental on Hilton Head to fret. Only the name's been changed. It's the same charm of Charleston and Beaufort reflected in the lobby design, with lovely antiques, oriental rugs on polished wooden floors, and huge bouquets of fresh flowers. Set on 24 acres of beachfront inside the gates of Port Royal Plantation, (plantation here is synonymous with development) this luxury horseshoe-shaped hotel has 416 rooms, pool and ocean swimming, a health club, water sports, tennis courts, conference facilities for the multitudes, and a large variety of dining and entertainment facilities. The island is a paradise for sports enthusiasts--not only are there miles of wide white beaches for bike riding, running, and castle building, tennis buffs can choose from any kind of court, shoppers will love exploring a huge outlet mall, RETURN and seafood lovers can check the local fleet's catch for shrimp, scallops, bluefish, sea trout and more. The Kids' Korner, a well-organized complimentary pleasure package for the 5-12 year-old, offers all sorts of activities including kite flying, arts and crafts, alligator races, shell collecting, volleyball and more. For a modest fee, teens can participate in organized activities such as waterskiing, sunset cruises and trips to Harbour Town. You'll have access to three par 72 championship courses: Barony, Robber's Row, and Planter's Row. Barony has small greens that are well-protected by deep bunkers, lagoons and Bermuda rough that require accurate approach shots with shot and medium irons. Robber's Course is on the marsh side atop what was once Civil War grounds and the historic town of Port Royal. Fairways are oak and magnolia-lined, and approach shots will find relatively large, well-trapped greens. The newest course is Planter's Row, host of the 1985 Hilton Head Seniors International. Greens are large, undulating and sometimes treacherous. The children's program, "Camp Wackatoo" is for 4-12 year-olds and is a learning based recreational program. Activities include special theme days, beach olympics, giant artistic creations, safety swimmers,
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Number of rooms:: 410
Rates: $$
Services: Valet, Barber & Beauty shops, Garage & Parking, Car hire, Babysitting, Laundry, Art Gallery, Room service, Complete beach service, Newsstand
Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: Carolina Cafe, Barony Grill, Pelican
RETURN Bar: Gazebo, Playful Pelican
Business facilities: Complete business service center
Sports facilities: 3 Pools, Tennis, Crocket, Polo, Sailing, Health club
Location: Sea side
Attractions: Harbortown, Shelter Cove, Savannah--45 minutes.
Course: Port Royal Golf Club
Distance: 6,038, Par: 72
Rating: 68.7, No. of holes: 54
Guest policy: Guests have priority tee times
Fees: **
Reservations: Contact the pro shop
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: No
No need for devotees of the Inter-Continental on Hilton Head to fret. Only the name's been changed. It's the same charm of Charleston and Beaufort reflected in the lobby design, with lovely antiques, oriental rugs on polished wooden floors, and huge bouquets of fresh flowers. Set on 24 acres of beachfront inside the gates of Port Royal Plantation, (plantation here is synonymous with development) this luxury horseshoe-shaped hotel has 416 rooms, pool and ocean swimming, a health club, water sports, tennis courts, conference facilities for the multitudes, and a large variety of dining and entertainment RETURN facilities. The island is a paradise for sports enthusiasts--not only are there miles of wide white beaches for bike riding, running, and castle building, tennis buffs can choose from any kind of court, shoppers will love exploring a huge outlet mall, and seafood lovers can check the local fleet's catch for shrimp, scallops, bluefish, sea trout and more. The Kids' Korner, a well-organized complimentary pleasure package for the 5-12 year-old, offers all sorts of activities including kite flying, arts and crafts, alligator races, shell collecting, volleyball and more. For a modest fee, teens can participate in organized activities such as waterskiing, sunset cruises and trips to Harbour Town. You'll have access to three par 72 championship courses: Barony, Robber's Row, and Planter's Row. Barony has small greens that are well-protected by deep bunkers, lagoons and Bermuda rough that require accurate approach shots with shot and medium irons. Robber's Course is on the marsh side atop what was once Civil War grounds and the historic town of Port Royal. Fairways are oak and magnolia-lined, and approach shots will find relatively large, well-trapped greens. The newest course is Planter's Row, host of the 1985 Hilton Head Seniors International. Greens are large, undulating and sometimes treacherous. The children's program, "Camp Wackatoo" is for 4-12 year-olds and is a learning based recreational program. Activities include special theme days, beach olympics, giant artistic creations, safety swimmers, earthlings, cooking with kids. On Friday and Saturday night there's "Kids Night Out".
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Number of rooms:: 250
Rates: $$
Services: Children's and teen's activity programs
RETURN Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: Island House, The Club
Business facilities: Audio-visual, Conference room capacity: 350
Sports facilities: Tennis, Pools, Fishing, Bicycling, Fish
Location: 15 miles from Charleston
Attractions: Charleston's Widow's Walks, Fort Sumter, Museum
Course: Harbor Course, Links Course
Distance: 6,108, Par: 72
Rating: 69.6, No. of holes: 36
Guest policy: Call for availability
Fees: **
Reservations: Call for tee times
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: Yes
Webster tells us a dune is a hill or ridge of sand piled up by the wind commonly found along shores. The dunes on tiny Isle of Palms just outside Charleston are Tom Fazio's award-winning. Since the island was accessible only by boat until the turn of the century, it became a sanctuary for hundreds of species of birds and animals, and remains so today. Lodgings are in wind-weathered one, two and three-bedroom villas and houses that look out on the never-ending stretch of sand, waves RETURN and dunes. If you've left the cooking behind, there are a myriad of restaurants from which to choose. Fun for the family comes in the form of Island scavenger hunts, movies, wacky water sports, bingo and much more. Life (for some) centers around the water, and the amenities are first rate. Surf and creek fishing, sailboats and windsurfs are at your disposal. Cottage clusters have pools, and there are two other 25-meter beauties. Tennis is taken seriously here, and the facilities are outstanding. Nearly three miles of sugar-white beaches, and sprawling marshlands offer an undisturbed glimpse into the habits of Mother Nature's offspring. If you're here between April and August you can see the baby loggerhead turtles trekking to the sea. Wild Dunes Links is a young course by Tom Fazio where the holes are routed through moss-draped live oaks, exotic palms and magnolias onto severely rolling coastal terrain, then across saltwater marshlands before the finishing holes right on the Atlantic. Relentless winds, massive dunes, deep rough and pot bunkers challenge the concentration of the most seasoned golfer. Experts highlight the fact that the course and the weather are so varied that a player can expect to use each club in his bag. Harbor Course, another Fazio layout, features a short narrow front nine holes which play adjacent to the Intracoastal Waterway. The back nine begins at the Yacht Harbor and winds along marshlands and through ancient trees. "Marsh Monster", the doglegged 13th is played from a small island fringed by an expansive marsh, and embodies all the characteristics that have made Fazio holes a true test of a golfer's skill. Sit a spell on the picturesque Clubhouse's spacious decks and ponder the question of which came first, the loggerhead or the egg?rogram is offered from May 27th through Labor day and is $40 for a full day ($25 for each additional same family child) or $120/week ($80 for each additional child).) or $120/week ($80 for each additional child).
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RETURN Number of rooms: 93
Rates: $
This oceanfront resort was designed with golf and watersport enthusiasts in mind. Forty-eight nearby golf courses will challenge any golfer. And a myriad of beach activities--including an award-winning amusement park, pier and deep sea fishing, swash boats, and water parks. And when stomachs start growling, choose from 800 fine restaurants.
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Number of rooms:: 392
Rates: $
Services: Room Safe, Refrigerator, Hilton Senior Honors
Restaurant: Arcadian Gardens-Alfredo, Pool Terrace Cafe
Bar: Wet Whistle Bar
Business facilities: Audio-visual, Conference room capacity: 900
Sports facilities: Pool, Tennis, Sailing, Jogging, Biking
Location: Grand Strand
Attractions: Amusement park, Mini-auto race track, Ripley's
Course: Arcadian Shores
Distance: 6,140, Par: 72
Rating: 68.8, No. of holes: 18
RETURN Guest policy: Open to public
Fees: **
Reservations: Book up to year ahead
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: No
Approximately 100 miles north of Historic Charleston lie the Elysian fields of golfdom. Here on South Carolina's Grand Strand, a 60 mile stretch along the Atlantic, golfers will find 44 fabulous courses, with more on the drawing boards. Several things can be attributed to the reign of "King Golf." 241 annual days of sunshine and a year-round mean temperature of 71.1 degrees, well-designed and maintained courses in a bustling seaside resort environment, and first rate accommodations--all halfway between Miami and Manhattan, are what make Myrtle Beach the tourist magnet that it is. This 14-story 392 room contemporary white hotel is strategically situated in the Arcadian Shores section of the Grand Strand, and offers newly decorated large airy rooms, each with a private balcony and view of the Atlantic. Restaurants include Alfredo's, an elegant dining room facing the ocean, the Arcadian Gardens Restaurant for casual fare, and sandwiches and salads at the Pool Terrace. The Veranda Bar, and the Wet Whistle Bar, featuring a steel drum band, will wet your whistle, while the rooftop nightclub, Another World is a great spot for dancing and checking out the action. Step outside to the pool deck and 600 foot beachfront and a world of sunning, sailing, jogging, shelling, biking and sailboarding. Tennis players will find four lighted courts, and kids find so many attractions in Myrtle Beach that they're oblivious to the fact that Dad and Mom are teeing off on a different course every day. Who can resist the outlet malls, an amusement park, mini- auto race track, RETURN skating rink, a Ripley's "Believe-it-or-Not" Museum, Guinness Hall of World Records, a wax museum, antique auto museum, and an incredible water park for thrilling, drenching rides? Designed by Rees Jones, whose company was chosen to redesign Brookline's Country Club for the 1988 U.S. Open. Natural lakes weaving in and out of the fairways, sixty-four white sand bunkers, a variety of trees, and the salty breezes off the Atlantic offer plenty of challenge. When you make your reservation, you'll be able to choose from a slew of nearby courses, and golf package rates. You can indicate your choice of course and tee times from an extensive list which is provided by the hotel.
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Number of rooms: 220
Rates: $
Golf course: Island Green
Distance: 3,029, Par: 36, Number of holes: 27
If you're a golfer, nothing beats vacationing in "the golf capital of the world." And if you're a vacationer who likes to be pampered, nothing beats this beautiful resort. Swimming, tennis, and yachting on the Intercostal Waterway are all available, but the main attractions are 27 holes strategically located on emerald fairways surrounding the resort. Choose from superb accommodations that include the enchanting TreeTop Golf Villas.
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Rates: up to $100.00
Choose everything from tastefully furnished motel rooms to family apartments, all directly on the ocean at Polynesian RETURN Beach & Golf Resort. Any group can be accommodated, whether it's a matter of having enough beds or having enough variety in sports to keep everyone happy. Adults enjoy 2 large heated pools while kids have their own pool and water slide. A stretch of white sand beach is everyone's playground.
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Number of rooms: 130
Rates: $
The Sands Beach Club is fully committed to the relaxation and recreation of its guests. Luxurious 2-bedroom, 2-bath suites and 1-bedroom villas feature contemporary custom decor, fully equipped kitchens, and of course, fabulous ocean and golf club views. And speaking of golf, there's plenty of that in Myrtle Beach (over 45 courses, if you're counting). For the golf weary, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy.
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Number of rooms: 360
Rates: $
Golf course: Pawleys Plantation
No. of holes: 18
At this resort, you'll be surrounded by more beaches and golf courses than you can ever imagine. Adventures and activities are non-stop from morning to night. The new Jack Nicklaus signature golf course, Pawleys Plantation, is available only to the privileged few, including you. A fully equipped health and fitness center and endless miles of beaches are also at your RETURN disposal.
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Number of rooms: 380
Rates: $65.00-$215.00
There are good times in store for every member of the family at Ocean Creek Resort, with popular events like the Outrageous Olympics, Teen Pizza Party, and Family Beach Club Cookout. Set on 60 glorious miles of beach, near 800 restaurants and over 40 golf courses, you'll never tire of all there is to do here. The 9-court Tennis Center also happens to be one of the best tennis facilities around. So, pack your bags and pack your family.
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Golf Course: Possum Trot Golf Club
Distance: 6,966, Par: 72, Number of holes: 18
Just 15 minutes from Myrtle Beach, Possum Trot Golf Club offers premium golfing in a gorgeous location. Built in 1968, this is one of the oldest courses on the Grand Strand. Whether you're an occasional golfer or a practiced expert, this tricky 18-holer will keep you on your toes with 50 bunkers and 9 lakes and ponds.
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Number of rooms: 96
Rates: $$
Golf course: River Club Course
RETURN Distance: 6,677, Par: 72, Number of holes: 54
The playground of the 18th-century landed gentry is now all yours to enjoy at Litchfield By The Sea. Step back in time as you acquaint yourself with a lifestyle of casual elegance. Every suite is touched by Southern charm; elegant colonial furnishings and a luxurious marble bath are just a few of the amenities to be found here. Excellent challenges on 3 18-hole golf courses and a top 19-court tennis complex are available.
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Number of rooms:: 330
Rates: $
Services: Planned family and children's activities, Cable TV, Radio
Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: Island House
Business facilities: Bohickets, Half Shell, Conference room capacity: 2000
Sports facilities: Tennis, Bicycles
Location: Charleston
Attractions: Historic tours, carriage tours, Fort Sumter
Course: Crooked Oaks
Distance: 6,880, Par: 72
Rating: 73.0, No. of holes: 18
RETURN Guest policy: Check for availability
Reservations: Call in advance
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: No
With a year-round mild climate moderated by the Gulf Stream, a dedicated commitment to conservation and ecology, and no high- rises to mar the dazzling views, Seabrook is nearly perfect. This 2,200 acre private island (and they DO mean private, as in sentry gates) is 23 miles south of Charleston, and caters to families, as evidenced by the numerous organized activities such as pony rides and treasure hunts. Condominiums are privately owned, and are offered in a variety of settings and sizes. Island House, with a formal dining room featuring savory Lowcountry Cuisine and a renowned wine list, is the social center. The names tell it all: Cap's Sam's, The Half Shell Raw Bar. There's plenty going on here. You can play tennis, swim in the ocean or pools, or use a wading pool at the Beach Club, rent a bicycle, go windsurfing, join an exercise class, go fishing or crabbing, rent a Hobie Cat, or swab the decks if you're tied up at the marina. An equestrian center will provide a suitable companion for a ride on the beach. Conference planners should note that 12 individual meeting rooms, with seating for 10 to 300 eager beavers. Nearby are tours of Fort Sumter, plantations and garden tours, historic Charleston, and some upscale shopping with names such as Banana Republic, Gucci, and Victoria's Secret. Designer Robert Trent Jones called Crooked Oaks Course "one of my best". The 18 holes follow a 6880 yard path around moss-draped oaks, and across treacherous marshlands. Willard Byrd designed and aptly named 18 hole championship Ocean Winds Course, the shorter of the two. Margot Walden, 1968 LPGA pro of the year, and Seabrook's golf director operates three daily clinics. There's a RETURN driving range and pro shops ready to help you.
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Number of rooms:: 99
Rates: $$$
Services: Valet, Parking, Card or other game area, Laundry, Wine School and instructor, Room service
Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: Fairway Grill
Bar: at Starmont
Business facilities: Copies, Audio-visual, Conference room capacity: 100
Sports facilities: Pool, Tennis, Croquet, Hiking trails, Health spa
Location: Napa Valley
Attractions: 140 wineries, mineral baths, ballooning
Course: Meadowood Resort
Distance: 4,130, Par: 62
Rating: 61.0, No. of holes: 9
Guest policy: Not specific
Fees: *
RETURN Reservations: 24 hours in advance
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: Yes
What began as a country club for Napa Valley residents a quarter of a century ago, is now a dreamlike resort where you can share the good life with members and local vintners. Your initial impression as you enter along a vineyard-bordered country lane is that you are a guest at a country home with large verandas, lush lawns and wooded hillsides. You'll feel the pulse of the Napa Valley wine and food world here, sequestered on 250 acres of Oak and Madrone amid buildings patterned after a 1910 New England lodge. Gastronomes and neophytes alike will marvel at the immersion into the world of the finest Napa Valley wines, and a chef dedicated to a cuisine reflecting simple, imaginative fresh fare. Overlooking the golf course, the casual bistro-style of the Fairway Grill will tempt you with lighter salads, fresh grilled fish, and a sampling of the neighboring vineyards offered by the glass. As shadows lengthen, you might want to savor the magic of this unhurried paradise with a wedge of Doux de Montagne and a glass of local cabernet. Warm evenings lure diners outside to the terrace for dinner under the stars. The secluded enclave offers six tennis courts, a swimming pool, miles of walking and jogging trails, a par course and a croquet court built to comply with international standards. The valley's fame, and thus its drawing card, rests largely with its climate--ideally suited to growing the Cabernet Sauvignon grape, with Pinot Noir not far behind. Meadowood offers unique courses in wine and food appreciation, as well as hosting the annual Napa Valley Wine Auction in June. The concierge will be happy to assist you with arrangements to local wineries, the mud and mineral baths of Calistoga, quaint nearby shops, hot air ballooning, or maybe you deserve a laid back afternoon of gliding over the RETURN panoramic valley. If you'd like to explore some of the area's more renowned eateries, the list is mind-boggling. There's a nine-hole executive course here with four par fours and five par threes. The par 62 layout winds around California Live Oak lined fairways which are tight, but demand accuracy. Players of all levels, genders and ages await the Century Pro-Am, a scratch best-ball 18-hole event in which the combined ages of partners must be at least 100 years.
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Half Moon Bay Lodge
Number of rooms: 81
Rates: $
Golf course: Half Moon Bay Golf Links
Distance: 7,116, Par: 72, Number of holes: 18
Half Moon Bay boasts a bustling floral industry, a busy fishing port...and a beautiful lodge named after the town. In your suite, enjoy the extras that mean so much--flowering plants, oak and wicker furniture, elegant fabrics, and a fireplace. At your doorstep is Half Moon Bay Golf Links, rated 4th in Northern California by the PGA. For the explorer, there are tidepools, elephant seal breeding grounds, and a bird reserve to visit.
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Number of rooms: 76
Rates: $$
Golf course: San Luis Bay
RETURN Distance: 6,443, Par: 71, Number of holes: 18
The San Luis Bay Inn, a classic seaside resort which specializes in traditional California hospitality and personalized service. The inn offers a wide range of recreational activities including swimming, fishing, canoeing, bicycling and tennis. The Cove Restaurant, overlooking the ocean, offers gourmet dining and an award- winning wine list. Banquet and meeting facilities available for groups from 10 to 200.
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Rates: $
Golf course: Sierra Sky Ranch Resort
Number of holes: 9
On the north shore of beautiful Bass Lake is a family resort offering an array of accommodations and recreation. Choose a 2-story custom chalet, featuring cozy all-wood interiors and fully equipped kitchens. Take a tour by boat on the Bass Lake Queen, fish for Rainbow and German Brown Trout, go horseback riding, golf, or play tennis. It's all here.
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Rates: $
Golf course: Sierra Sky Ranch Resort
Number of holes: 9
On the north shore of beautiful Bass Lake is a family resort offering an array of accommodations and recreation. Choose a 2-story custom chalet, featuring cozy all-wood interiors and fully equipped kitchens. Take a tour by boat on the Bass Lake RETURN Queen, fish for Rainbow and German Brown Trout, go horseback riding, golf, or play tennis. It's all here.
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Number of rooms:: 100
Rates: $$$
Services: Valet, Babysitting, Room service
Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: Hotel dining room
Bar: Service bar
Business facilities: Copiers, Audio-visual, Conference room capacity: 250
Sports facilities: Pool, Tennis
Location: Monterey Peninsula
Attractions: 17 Mile Drive, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row
Course: Carmel Valley Ranch
Distance: 6,005, Par: 70
Rating: 69.6, No. of holes: 18
Guest policy: Hotel guests and members only
Fees: **
Reservations: May be made 7 days in advance
RETURN Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: No
For anyone who enjoys a sunny, warm climate, splendid golf and tennis facilities, and an exclusive resort featuring graciously appointed guest suites, the Carmel Valley Ranch Resort is the answer. Based in Carmel, Oak Tree Hotels, Inc., also operate Mission Hills Country Club Resort Condominiums, and Palm Beach Polo and Country Club, among other properties. The 100 suites are set in clusters among old oak trees and gardens, and are individually decorated with rustic textures and soft natural colors. Against a backdrop of the Santa Lucia Mountains and clear blue skies, the cathedral ceilings, private decks, wood burning fireplaces and fairway views lend an air of country refinement. Many have private outdoor spas. The Lodge, housing an intimate dining room specializing in fresh fish from Monterey Bay, and local produce, changes its menu every other day. The cozy lounge is a showpiece of local craftsmen whose talents are displayed in the weavings, art, and a massive stone fireplace. A pianist and freshly cut flowers add to the ambience of this informal gathering place. Meeting and banquet rooms are designed to accommodate a group of 10, or one as large as 250, and the sweeping Oak Tree Courtyard along with the terrace area offers ample space for an outdoor conference or dining. Golf is superb here. The Club is private, and available only to resort guests and club members. There are tennis courts, an inviting freeform pool a full spa, and a choice of scenic walks in the valley. If your goal is to play a Pete Dye creation, especially after watching the 1988 PGA Tournament at Oak Tree, and you can't make it to Ponte Verda Beach to the TPC course, here's your chance! As one of the courses in the Spalding Pro-Am featuring PGA stars such as Greg Norman, Craig Stadler and Johnny Miller, this championship design has the Carmel River bordering several holes on the north, and luxurious RETURN mountain greenery on the south. Test your prowess on some of Dye's trademarks here--a layout dappled with numerous deep sand and grass bunkers, undulating greens, and railroad ties and telephone pole bulkheading which are deemed an integral part of the course. Five of the holes climb the mountainside affording some incredible views of the valley, and the cooling fog banks that hover over the coast.
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Number of rooms:: 75; 5 cottages
Rates: $$$
Services: Laundry, Garage and parking, House doctor, Babysitting, Cable TV, Radio, Shampoo, 2 soaps, shower caps, bath gel, Room service
Restrictions: No pets, handicap: 3 rooms.
Restaurant: Spyglass
Bar: Spyglass Lounge
Business facilities: Audio-visual, Copiers, Conference room capacity: 125
Sports facilities: Pool
Location: Carmel
Attractions: Eleven nearby golf courses
Tucked away on a side street shaded by California live oaks, this Mediterranean-style villa is Carmel's only full-service resort. The subtly exquisite decor accents pastel walls and upholstery with custom hand-loomed area rugs. Cope family RETURN (owners of San Francisco's venerable Huntington) California antiques and heirlooms. Many of the 75 rooms afford views of the garden or the Pacific. Bathrooms feature marble floors and inlaid decorative tiles. For family groups or extended visits, La Playas five new cottages by the sea are beautifully decorated, very well-equipped with full kitchens, and located close enough to the sea to hear the surf roll in. La Playa's five charming guest cottages offer the luxuries of a private vacation home, complete with kitchens, wet bars, fireplaces, terraces and patios. The Spyglass Restaurant's terrace, where masses of bright flowers meet the eye, is the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the ocean. An extensive international wine list and a fine collection of aged Ports and Sherrys whet the appetite. The boutiques and galleries of Carmel are a few short blocks away, and the numerous attractions of the Monterey Peninsula are within easy access. A heated swimming pool in the garden beckons, while the beach is but a five minute stroll. Three conference rooms, with a capacity ranging from 10 to 125 are available, as well as an on-premises coordinator. There are many golf courses within a half hour's drive, and the concierge will gladly telephone for particulars. Choose from the Pebble Beach course, Spyglass, or Spanish Bay, Del Monte Golf at Hyatt Regency, or the 9 hole Peter Hay, Jr. par 3 course. Poppy Hills Golf Course, a stunning show of Robert Trent Jones, Jr's. artistry was carved out of the Del Monte Forest, and is the permanent home of the Northern California Golf Association. Not enough? Consider Rancho Canada, Carmel Valley Golf and Country Club, or Carmel Valley Ranch Resort.
GR-CA-07 a par 4 gem. You tee off on top of a hill, and by the time you're on the green, you've dropped a hundred feet. The test is avoiding the waterfall next to the green.
Number of rooms:: 294
RETURN Rates: $$
Services: Babysitting, Telephone on the golf courses, House physician on call, Video security monitoring system throughout, Color TV, Radio, Oversize beds, Room service, Valet parking, Safe in room, Laundry, Dry Cleaning
Restrictions: Pets limited, please ask.
Restaurant: Brae Dining Room, Putter Cup Grill, St. Andrew's Station, Fountain Court, Concourse Deli Shop
Bar: Winston's Lounge
Business facilities: Conference room capacity: 1,600
Sports facilities: Pool, Tennis, Riding, Billiards, Nautilus health spa
Location: Downtown L.A. 25 min.
Attractions: Winston Churchill's memorial train coach.
Course: Dwight D. Eisenhower
Distance: 6,270, Par: 72
Rating: 70.9, No. of holes: 36
Guest policy: Open to the public
Fees: **
Reservations: May be made up to 3 days in advance
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: Yes
RETURN With a name like City of Industry, you might wonder what sort of resort could be there. In a hodge podge such as Los Angeles, location is everything, and that's what this place has. Centrally located means 25 minutes to downtown L.A., 30 minutes to Disneyland, 40 minutes to the Hollywood Bowl, and 45 minutes to Beverly Hills. Now add a reasonable price, two golf courses, seventeen tennis courts, 15 miles of riding trails, 2 swimming pools, 3 restaurants and rooms large enough to be called oversized. You can splurge and stay in the Bob and Dolores Hope Executive Suite, or the Presidential Suite, dedicated by President and Mrs. Ford. The swimming complex boasts a true Olympic size pool (17 feet deep), separate warmup pool and NCAA rated diving platform. Health spas have virtually everything. The equestrian center with show rings, polo grounds, western shore and riding academy is top-notch, and is the answer to a horseless afternoon. Take time to browse in the Ralph W. Miller Golf Library and Museum, which contains over 5,000 books, 5,000 photos and 1,600 bound periodicals in addition to golf videos, clubs and balls, and other golf memorabilia. Bobby Jones' irons, Dwight Eisenhower's hickory shafted clubs and Babe Zaharias' putter are among the interesting exhibits. You can play the Babe Zaharias Course or the adjacent Eisenhower Course. Touted as one of the nation's best public courses, the Eisenhower is a long, wide open championship course featuring high rough and plenty of hills. You can't get away with a lot of mistakes here. This is a beautifully maintained property, and from its heights you'll have great views of the Pasadena, the San Gabriel Valley, and even Los Angeles. #2 is a par 4 gem. You tee off on top of a hill, and by the time you're on the green, you've dropped a hundred feet. The test is avoiding the waterfall next to the green.
GR-CA-08
Number of rooms:: 70
RETURN Rates: $$$
Services: Library, Barber shop, Beauty shop, Card or game area, Laundry, Room service
Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: Main dining room
Bar: Oasis
Business facilities: Copiers, Audio-visual, Conference room capacity: 150
Sports facilities: Pool, Tennis, Croquet, Riding, Bicycle
Location: Inland Empire Desert
Attractions: Scotty's Castle, Natl Park, Amargosa Opera House
Course: Furnace Creek
Distance: 5,750, Par: 70
Rating: 66.3, No. of holes: 18
Guest policy: Call for availability
Fees: *
Reservations: Not needed week days,tee times weekend
Season: October--May
Guest carry clubs: Yes
If you've never visited the driest, lowest, hottest area of the United States, you're in for a real treat--for in it's foreboding RETURN isolation, between October through May, it's also starkly beautiful. To those hardy souls seeking California's riches, the Valley was a deadly obstacle to overcome, and as a study in extremes, this 3,000 square mile national monument reigns supreme. The boom towns went when the mines were no longer producing, and most of the action today centers around Furnace Creek, site of a visitor's center, a small airport and the resort. Consisting of the Inn and the Ranch, guests can choose between a luxurious 69 room inn, and a rustic ranch complete with old wagon wheels and an informal cafeteria. The rambling adobe brick Inn welcomed its first guests in 1927, and became a destination for the well-heeled who came to be pampered in the oasis of swaying palms and cool, gurgling water. The atmosphere at the Inn is relaxed, an unpretentious, intriguing because of its quiet surroundings. Desert colors, large plants, ceiling fans, wicker furniture and afternoon tea in the lobby characterize the Inn, which caters to many repeat guests. Well-known valley landmarks worth visiting are Titus Canyon, Telescope Peak--11,409 feet high--and Badwater, directly below it, the lowest place, and of course, Devil's Golf Course, a bed of salt pinnacles, some as high as four feet, and still growing. Maybe you'll want to explore the canyons and nearby sights on horseback, or play tennis, or you can bicycle or jog on meandering paths, and there are miles of scenic trails to hike. The golf course is fun to play and surprisingly verdant for an area whose average rainfall is 1.7 inches yearly. Tamarisk trees and stands of date palms line the fairways, but you'll probably want to use every club in your bag, as the out of bounds areas are unexpected and numerous. As you approach the fifth fairway, take note that you'll be putting at 214 feet below sea level, and should you land in a bunker, you won't need your sand wedge, as all bunkers are grass. Water comes into play on several holes, fed by a mountain stream. This tough course with its outstanding layout was designed by William Bell, who is also credited with such winners as Bel Air, Ojai Valley, Riviera, RETURN and Stanford.
GR-CA-09
Number of rooms: 102
Rates: $
Golf course: Willow Glen Course
Distance: 6,660, Par: 72, Number of holes: 54
If 54 holes of golf, 11 tennis courts, and a swimming pool with therapy spa, all set in the serene valley of El Cajon in southern California, sound appealing to you, it's time to plan a vacation to Singing Hills. And you'll find more than just recreation here. There's also the peace and beauty of the natural mountain terrain. The 80-room lodge will let you enjoy all that is here, whether it's just for a weekend or for several weeks.
GR-CA-10
Lawrence Welk Resort
Number of rooms: 132
Rates: $
Fax: 619-749-6182
Golf course: Fountains Executive
Distance: 4,002, Par: 62,
Secluded 1,000-acre resort 35 minutes from San Diego. 132 deluxe rooms, 286 villas overlooking fairways. Also RETURN championship golf and Par 3 course. The Greens Executive Conference Center has 6 fully equipped rooms accommodating up to 100 with a professional conference staff. Pools, spas, tennis, award-winning dinner theater, restaurant, lounge, gifts, clothing, market, deli, and salon. Near Sea World, Wild Animal Park, wine country, and Mexico.
GR-CA-11
Number of rooms: 133
Rates: $110.00-$125.00
Golf course: Pala Mesa
Distance: 6,441, Par: 72, Number of holes: 18
When your travels take you to Southern California, choose the prime location of Pala Mesa Resort, located between Los Angeles and San Diego. Reserve one of 133 rooms and suites or one of 54 condominiums, each spacious and comfortably furnished. Then take advantage of challenging golf on Pala Mesa's lush fairways, and satisfy any palate with exceptional dishes at Alexander's.
GR-CA-011a
Number of rooms: 81
Rates: $
Golf course: Half Moon Bay Golf Links
Distance: 7,116, Par: 72, Number of holes: 18
Half Moon Bay boasts a bustling floral industry, a busy fishing port...and a beautiful lodge named after the town. In your RETURN suite, enjoy the extras that mean so much--flowering plants, oak and wicker furniture, elegant fabrics, and a fireplace. At your doorstep is Half Moon Bay Golf Links, rated 4th in Northern California by the PGA. For the explorer, there are tidepools, elephant seal breeding grounds, and a bird reserve to visit.
GR-CA-12
Number of rooms: 30
Rates: up to $100.00
Golf Course: Silverlakes Golf Course
Distance: 10,000, Par: 36, Number of holes: 27
Located at an altitude of 3,000 feet, an oasis in the high desert of San Bernardino County. Discover California's best kept secret. Activities abound with emphasis on the 27 hole PGA rated golf course. Two lakes within walking distance allow for swimming and fishing. Other diversions include bicycling, jogging, volleyball, tennis and exercise room. Visit Calico Ghost town nearby or enjoy Las Vegas style gambling within in 1-1/2 hours drive.
GR-CA-13
Number of rooms:: 560
Rates: $$$
Services: Concierge, Airport transfers, Physician (on call), Complimentary coffee with morning wakeup call, Car rental, Valet parking
Restrictions: No pets
RETURN Restaurant: Sirocco, Charisma
Bar: Lobby Court Lounge, Las Estrellas
Business facilities: Full conference facilities
Sports facilities: 3 Pools, Full health spa, Tennis, 2 large outdoor whirlpools
Location: 13 mi. east of Palm Springs.
Attractions: Oasis Waterpark, Desert Museum, hot air ballooning
Course: West Course
Distance: 6,115, Par: 72
Rating: 68.7, No. of holes: 36
Fees: **
Reservations: May be made in advance
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: No
At the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains in Indian Wells you'll find this 560-room effort by Stouffer to join the ranks of the major golf resorts in the desert. Rising up seven stories in clusters, the rooms and suites, each with a balcony, face the man-made lake, the lush golf course, or the mountains. Non-golfers will find plenty of recreation and amusements, ranging from tickets to the venerable Valley Players, the McCallum Theater, Sunday afternoon concerts at the Desert Museum's Annenberg Theater, or a tour of some of the area's best art galleries. Tennis and golf are such big attractions here that it's RETURN impossible to miss this celebrity event. You can choose from the Vintage Invitational where you might see Chi Chi, to the Newsweek Champions Cup for a $1 million purse. Have you thought about how much fun the Sled Dog Classic would be? Or how about the polo matches here in the "Winter Polo Capital of the West"? Seven tennis courts, a full health spa, and three swimming pools (one with a sandy beach entrance) deserve your attention. There are golf and tennis pros eager to help you perfect that swing or improve that serve. There are eateries, lounges, dance floors, poolside snacks, morning walks and cocktail hours all for you to enjoy. You can tee off at either of the two Indian Wells Golf Resort's Ted Robinson courses. The East Course plays to 6,227 yards and is rated 69.4 from the regular tees. Greens are beautifully manicured, and the cloudless blue sky seems to make even triple- bogey's trivial.
GR-CA-14
Number of rooms: 59
Rates: $
Golf course: Royal Palms
Distance: 6,766, Par: 72, Number of holes: 27
Tucked away between La Quinta and Bermuda Dunes, you'll discover Indian Palms Resort and Country Club, a complete resort community. Choose from a wide variety of accommodations, including single family homes, vacation condominiums, and mini-suites overlooking the #1 fairway at the resort hotel. Play a round of golf, a set of tennis, or swim a lap in the pool. Indian Palms has it all.
GR-CA-15
RETURN Number of rooms: 73
Rates: $
Golf course: Torrey Pines North/South
Distance: 6,647, Par: 72, Number of holes: 36
Come and stay at a cozy inn by the sea, Torrey Pines Inn, where tastefully furnished rooms offer ocean and golf course vistas. You'll be delighted with the beauty of golden beaches and the Torrey Pines State Reserve. And there will be plenty to do...visit the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and golf at the Torrey Pines Golf Course's two 18-hole courses, that is also the home of the San Diego Open.
GR-CA-16
Number of rooms:: 640
Rates: $$
Services: Valet, Barber shop, Beauty shop, Babysitting, Laundry, Room service
Restrictions: Pets limited, please ask.
Restaurant: La Mirage and 4 additional restaurants
Bar: La Cantina
Business facilities: Secretarial, Copiers, Conference room capacity: 575
Sports facilities: 25 Pools, 38 hot spas, Tennis, Balloons, Polo, Riding
Location: Palm Springs area
RETURN Attractions: Hotel tours, ballooning, Palm Springs Aerial Tram
Course: La Quinta, Dunes Course, Citrus Course
Distance: 5,775, Par: 72
Rating: 67.8, No. of holes: 36
Guest policy: Open to resort guests
Fees: ***
Reservations: May be made one week in advance
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: No
This is where the stars and the moguls of the thirties came to play. During long treks when California was Spanish and Mexican, travel between settlements and missions was arduous, and sustenance was meager. The fifth day was designated as one for good food, music and conviviality, thus the day was known as "La Quinta." Some of Hollywood's biggest names including Bette Davis, Ginger Rogers, Erroll Flynn and Frank Capra were regulars at this California desert hideaway. La Quinta is one of those small towns about 20 miles southeast of central Palm Springs, and a stone's throw from Indio. The small luxurious hotel has been expanded and revitalized without losing any of its charm or original flair. Guests stay in adobe Spanish-style casitas and have 45 acres of meticulously landscaped grounds under the imposing Santa Rosa Mountains to explore. Furnishings are expensive contemporary, with a 20's flair, and you may choose from single or double rooms, suites, or rent a private residence. Swim in any of nine pools scattered about the property. With an average RETURN temperature a comfortable 82 degrees daytime, it's possible to relax in the pool while gazing at snow-capped mountains. A beauty salon, masseur, and gift shop are found on the premises. Away from the resort, guests will find desert hot air ballooning, a tram to whisk you to the top of Mt. San Jacinto, the Palm Springs Desert Museum, horseback riding, polo during the winter, Oasis Water Park, a Coachella Valley Agricultural tour, hiking or sightseeing in Joshua Tree National Monument, or you can go to Indio for a date. La Quinta is a top tennis resort, and the reasons are obvious. With a tennis stadium, sunken club court, and 40 immaculate courts, (all 3 surfaces), its an impressive setup. The resort offers 18 holes of Pete Dye's mastery at its best. Look for typical Dye touches such as railroad ties in the center of fairways, big waste bunkers, elevation changes in unexpected spots (greens), and mirror-smooth water hazards. And nothing can match the drama of the desert in bloom under the barren treeless mountains. Number seventeen is one of the toughest 18 holes in America according to pros. The acclaimed course hosted the 1985 World Cup Pro-Am, the PGA Tour Qualifying in 1985 and 1988, and the 1986 and 1987 PGA Club Professional Champi
GR-CA-17
Number of rooms: 62
Rates: $
Golf course: Aliso Creek
Par: 32, Number of holes: 9
The serene canyon setting of Aliso Creek Inn offers a unique and pleasurable experience for guests. The natural beauty of the golf course and the casual elegance of Ben Brown's Restaurant create an atmosphere of relaxation for your enjoyment. RETURN In Laguna Beach, home of the world famous Festival of the Arts and Pageant of the Masters, you can visit the many unusual shops, art galleries and gourmet restaurants of this renowned art colony.
GR-CA-18
Number of rooms: 575
Rates: $$
Golf course: Del Monte
Distance: 6,278, Par: 72, Number of holes: 18
Located high on a hill in the heart of Monterey and the Monterey Peninsula. Fabulous antiquing and art galleries as well as shopping in Carmel and Monterey's Cannery Row. Six tennis courts, exercise room, two swimming pools. Children under 18 stay free in parent's room.
GR-CA-18
Number of rooms: 615
Rates: $
Golf course: Newport Beach CC
Par: 71, Number of holes: 18
Step into a world of luxury, where chandeliers hang high on the lobby ceiling and a fountain sprinkles water in the atrium. Choose from spacious rooms and suites, most with ocean views. For your pleasure, 8 lighted tennis courts, a fully-equipped health club, and 2 swimming pools. The hotel has a membership in Newport Beach CC, which boasts fabulous RETURN weather and a mature course with many trees.
GR-CA-18
Number of rooms:: 218
Rates: $$$
Services: Terry cloth robes, turn-down service, Valet, Laundry, play yard for children, Room service
Restaurant: Main Dining Room
Business facilities: Audio-visual, Conference room capacity: 550
Sports facilities: Tennis, Pool, Croquet, Spa
Location: 30 mi. from Santa Barbara
Course: Ojai Valley Inn
Distance: 6,252, Par: 70
Rating: 70.6, No. of holes: 18
Guest policy: Members and guests have preferred times
Fees: **
Reservations: Guests up to 90 days in advance
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: Yes
The setting always was nothing short of incredible, and after its $35 million expansion and renovation, the exclusive retreat RETURN of rambling adobe under the towering Topa Topa Mountains continues to attract the elite. Northwest of Los Angeles and 30 minutes east of Santa Barbara, this new addition to the Hilton Group has pulled out all the stops. A new conference center, 108 new guest rooms and suites, and exquisite regional art are a few highlights. A fantastic tennis center, swimming pools, and a chef brimming with impressive credentials and innovative ideas completes the picture. Wines are carefully chosen--many from neighboring vineyards. Ojai Country Club was one of the first great California golf courses. The course was designed by George C. Thomas, Jr. and Billy Bell, who also are credited with Riviera Country Club, and Bel-Air. Course historians tell us that throughout his career, Thompson never accepted a fee for his services as designer. The scenic natural contours have been retained in the layout's facelift by Jay Moorish, and today's golfer will find a little bit of everything. The new 18 was made more challenging by rebuilding the greens. Plans are underway to host the Southern California Amateur Championship. Try the new driving range, its one of the best.
GR-CA-19
Number of rooms:: 891
Rates: $$
Restaurant: Yes
Sports facilities: Tennis, European-style spa
Course: Palms Course, Valley Course
Distance: 6,381, Par: 72
Rating: 70.2, No. of holes: 36
RETURN Guest policy: Guests have first choice
Fees: ***
Reservations: May be booked 30 days in advance
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: No
This is Marriott's flagship hotel, and three years behind it, the 891-room picture of razzle-dazzle and high tech architecture is delivering what it promised. It was quite an attraction when it open in 1987, complete with Venice-like waterways and a full- service luxury spa. About 13 miles from the Palm Springs airport, this 400-acre resort features everything anyone could want in the way of amenities. There are water views, even though you are in a desert! Nineteen shopping boutiques, complete concierge service, multilingual staff, grand and intimate restaurants, lounges and places to dance await you. Of course, there are beauty shops, a Hertz desk for car rentals, and lots of choices for amusements. The spa is gigantic--all 27,000 square feet of it. You can be pampered here with steam baths, underwater massages, loofah buffs and a dietary program. Believe it or not, there's as 12,000 square foot beach here, plus two swimming pools and three whirlpools. If you crave tennis, 19 courts are here to play on, with teaching professionals available for private lessons. Two courses, both designed by Ted Robinson, open here within a year of each other. The Palm is characterized by grand palm trees and plenty of water. The Slope rating for Men's Regular is 114, and for the Valley Course, it's 109.
GR-CA-20
Number of rooms: 120
RETURN Rates: $
Golf course: Indian Wells East/West
Distance: 6,665, Par: 72, Number of holes: 36
Set in a sunny cove at the foot of the San Jacinto Mountains, Shadow Mountain Resort is ideal for the golf-and-tennis couple. More than 70 golf courses in the surrounding desert valley. Tennis buffs can head out for some fantastic rallying on one of 16 championship courts at the Shadow Mountain Club, where matches, private lessons and intense instructional clinics can all be arranged. Four swimming pools including famed figure-eight centerpiece.
GR-CA-21
Number of rooms:: 289
Rates: $$$
Services: Concierge, Car rental, Gift shop, Tour desk
Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: Princess
Bar: Oasis
Business facilities: Full conference facilities
Sports facilities: Tennis, Pool, Bicycle rental
Location: 10 min. from airport
Attractions: Indian canyons, aerial tram, shopping
RETURN Course: Three nines
Distance: 6,700, Par: 72, No. of holes: 27
Fees: **
Reservations: May be made in advance
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: No
This is a 345-acre golf resort just two hours driving from Los Angeles. Spacious guest rooms and elegant condominium, meeting facilities and recreational facilities are what you'll find here just 10 minutes from the Palm Springs airport. All accommodations feature built-in refrigerators, remote-control TV, computerized sages and spacious dressing areas. You really will want to be seen in the Princess Restaurant, where elegant dining is the name of the game. There's also nightly entertainment and dancing in the Oasis Lounge, and cocktails and quiet conversation in the Vista Lounge. Maybe Major Sonny Bono will be conversing quietly near you. The countryside is flat, so why not rent a bicycle and pedal it all over town? There are ten tennis courts, five of which are lighted, and two swimming pools and whirlpools. Racquetball courts, and a state-of-the-arts fitness center are guaranteed to keep you in shape. If you'd like to roam around the Palm Springs area, check out the Joshua Tree National Monument, the Palm Springs Desert Museum, or the Moorten Botanical Garden. The Desert Princess Country Club has recently opened a third nine. By re-configuration, you can play some old holes and some new ones. If you tee up on the Vista nine and go to Cielo nine, the Slope is 113 (Men's Regular), but if you play Cielo and Lagos, it's 111. Lagos and Vista are rated 112, and it all adds up to a pleasant game. The new nine resembles a RETURN links layout--it traverses a wash where no trees can be planted, and it's hilly with parts of it almost barren.
GR-CA-22
Rates: $175.00 and up
Golf Course: Mission Hills
Distance: 6,842, Par: 70, Number of holes: 18 Arrive at your private villa to find the luxury of having a private swimming pool or a therapy pool and full kitchen. Five tournament tennis courts, golf at 7 Palm Springs courses, a Nautilus gym, and a magnificent 65-foot club pool fringed with tropical greenery and a rock waterfall are yours to enjoy. Secluded--the loudest noise you'll here at night is crickets.
GR-CA-23
Number of rooms:: 270
Rates: $$$
Services: Valet, Car Hire, House Doctor, Robes, Barber and Beauty shops, Room service
Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: The Dunes
Bar: Traps
Business facilities: Audio-visual, Copier, Conference room capacity: 675
Sports facilities: Tennis, Full Spa, Riding, Jogging
Location: Monterey Peninsula
RETURN Attractions: Monterey Aquarium, Cannery Row, Fisherman's Wharf
Course: The Links at Spanish Bay
Distance: 6,195, Par: 72
Rating: 72.7, No. of holes: 18
Guest policy: Check for availability
Fees: Guest: ***
Reservations: May be made with hotel reservation
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: Yes
Clinging to the sloping sand dunes on a rugged sweep of coastline perched on the edge of the vast Pebble Beach Resort area is a bold new resort--The Inn and Links at Spanish Bay. Today's visitors to Pebble Beach can appreciate what visionary Samuel F. G. Morse believed; that development of the land always should enhance nature's bounty. The Dining room is a pleasant surprise. Mediterranean specialties typical of Piedmont, Lombardy and the Pyrenees using local herbs and vegetables are found in the Inn's premier restaurant, the Bay Club. Eight tennis courts, a complete health spa with an exercise pool and miles of forest and beach trails for hiking and exploring are available for guests. Spanish Bay neighbors some of California's most appealing towns. The fantastic Monterey Aquarium, a blend of the historic and the modern, is around the corner, and Carmel isn't far. Quiet Pacific Grove is winter home to millions of Monarch butterflies. The course here has been called "instant tradition," meaning it's a true seaside links course modeled after the demanding layouts of RETURN Scotland and Ireland, a unique challenge of sand and soil, sea and foggy weather. An outstanding trio is responsible for the design: Tom Watson, Robert Trent Jones Jr., and Frank "Sandy" Tatum, former USGA president. Linksland golf is played close to the ground to avoid the wind--"Running like a rabbit toward the hole," as Jones puts it. Among the highlights: *the third hole, a fearsome 425 yard par-4 from a dramatic elevated tee; *the 13th, which turns the player back toward the Pacific and into the dunes, a 130-yard par 3 patterned after the "Postage Stamp" at Scotland's Royal Troon; Jones calls it his "Christmas Seal because it's a gift when you get on";
*the fourth, a stunning 185-yard par 3 with the putting surfaces tucked into the side of sand dunes. Varieties of fescue grasses are blended for the fairways, greens and roughs. Native to Scotland, they adapt well to cool, humid regions and are reputed to give golf balls more "bite." Pack your windbreaker, a few extra golf balls and prepare to spend some pleasant time in the brome.
GR-CA-24
Number of rooms:: 161
Rates: $$$
Services: Valet, Barber & Beauty shops, Car Hire, House Doctor, Robes, room service
Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: Cypress Room/Gallery/Club XIX
Bar: Terrace Lounge
Business facilities: Audio-visual, Copier, Conference room capacity: 300
RETURN Sports facilities: Tennis, Jogging, Full Spa, Massage
Location: Monterey Peninsula
Attractions: 17-Mile Drive, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row
Course: Pebble Beach Golf Links
Distance: 6,357, Par: 72
Rating: 72.7, No. of holes: 72
Guest policy: Changes
Fees: ***
Reservations: 30 days in advance
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: No, Caddies
Mention Pebble Beach, and note the reactions. Visions of a rugged stretch of ocean-hugging coast. Gnarled cypress trees and fog rolling in. Samuel F. B. Morse, determined to build a golf course, motoring through windswept Del Monte Forest, attracting celebrity players in tournament-ending dramatics. As a landmark destination on scenic 17-mile Drive, the Lodge since 1919 has been the epitome of tranquil dignity. The architecture is California traditional, c. 1919, and void of any vestiges of commercialism. Eleven rooms are available in the main building, which are unpretentiously elegant. 150 are found in 12 separate 2 and 3- story buildings, each offering stunning views of the ocean, gardens, or fairways. The Cypress Room is the main restaurant. Characterized by bouquets of oversized fresh flowers, light woods, natural fabrics in soft RETURN colors, Bauscher china and a panoramic view of the bay, the feeling is that of a grand establishment. The Tap Room, ornamented with a fascinating collection of golf mementos, is the spot for conviviality, afternoon or evening. Guests enjoy full privileges at the Beach and Tennis Club, with fourteen plexi-paved courts (stadium court included), and two paddle tennis courts. Perched just above the surf is a heated pool, children's wading pool, viewing deck, and a spa with massage rooms, saunas and exercise studios. Equestrian trails reach every corner of the forest, sea lions bask on the rocks above pounding surf, and the 16 mile drive south of Carmel to Big Sur is a journey not to be missed. A round of golf here is special, as these courses are among the most famous, and its unusual for tournament-class courses to be available to the public. Both the challenging Robert Trent Jones-designed Spyglass Hill, which traverses dense pine forests and sand dunes, and the Grand Daddy of them all, Pebble Beach Golf Links, are open to the public. These two beautiful courses, together with private Cypress Point, are the home of the prestigious AT&T National Pro-Am, a premier PGA tournament whose players are household names such as Willie Mays, Peter Ueberroth, and George C. Scott. Pebble Beach course starts out along the ocean, then swings back and forth along the coast for holes 4 through 10. 11 through 16 are inland, and 17 and 18 return to the rugged shoreline are second to none as a finish to this supreme course by the sea.
GR-CA-25
Rates: up to $100.00
Golf Course: San Vicente
Distance: 6,585, Number of holes: 18
Spend your days mastering the spectacular Ted Robinson-designed golf course, challenge a friend to a vigorous game of RETURN tennis, or simply soak in the view from the the privacy of your own terrace. If you came to work, there are facilities to suits groups up to 200. Savor country club dining on everything from light seafood to hearty steaks. The course is set in a valley and has plenty of trees. Slope ratings are 121 championship, 111 regular.
GR-CA-26
Number of rooms: 442
Rates: $$
Golf course: North/South/West
Distance: 6,019, Par: 71, Number of holes: 27
Twenty-seven lush acres of excitement await your visit at Rancho Las Palmas Resort. Complete country club privileges mean you'll enjoy 27 holes of golf on a course designed by Ted Robinson, the largest tennis complex in the desert with 25 courts, 3 sparkling pools, and 2 hydrotherapy spas. Recuperate in your room or suite, complete with private patio or balcony. Then head out for an evening of fine dining and entertainment.
GR-CA-27
Number of rooms:: 240
Rates: $$$
Services: VCR's in all suites, Color TV, Valet, Babysitting, Concierge, Auto rental, Room service
Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: The Cafe, Club Grill, The Mirada
RETURN Bar: The Bar
Business facilities: Complete business facilities, Conference room capacity: 1,500
Sports facilities: Pools, Jeep safari tours, Hot air balloons, Fitness center, Tennis, Children's program
Location: Palm Springs
Attractions: Downtown Palm Springs and El Paseo, Aerial Tram
Course: Mission Hills Resort
Distance: 5,678, Par: 70
Rating: 68.8, No. of holes: 18
Guest policy: Guests have priority tee times
Fees: ***
Reservations: Call for availability
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: No
This three-story Mediterranean-styled addition to the clear, dry Coachella Valley commands a sweeping view of the Palm Springs area. The full-service resort rests on a 650 foot plateau and boasts a Wildlife Park Sanctuary for desert bighorn sheep, who roam free in the hills behind the hotel. Accommodations include 240 guest rooms with 19 executive suites and two Ritz-Carlton suites. All guest rooms feature balconies with French doors, honor bars and spacious marble bathrooms. Guest activities include use of the fitness center, tennis courts, swimming pool and spa. Summers are unbearably hot, but RETURN for nine months it's one of the most agreeable climates anywhere. Guests rave about the four hour jeep "safari" into the rugged Santa Rosa Mountains behind the resort. They're led by drivers knowledgeable in mountain wildlife and vegetation, and the lunches are prepared to order by a gourmet chef. Afternoon tea and cocktails in the lobby lounge is a favorite, and the restaurant and cafe serve meals that are acclaimed throughout the valley. There's a sundry shop, and apparel boutique in addition to a multilingual staff. Guests have preferred tee times at the Rancho Mirage Country Club and the Mission Hills Resort Course. Pete Dye's Mission Hills is a gently rolling tough layout with some of his trademarks -- large, deep bunkers, wide, rolling fairways. Greens are handsomely framed by palm trees, with large lakes on five holes. Over on Bob Hope Drive, the Rancho Mirage course offers some tremendous views from its parallel fairways. This is a very well-maintained course, with small to medium greens.
GR-CA-28
Number of rooms: 74
Rates: $
Golf course: South Course, North Course
Distance: 6,886, Par: 72, Number of holes: 36
Bordering the banks of the Cosumnes River, encompassing 5 lakes, and surrounded by rolling hills is Rancho Murieta, a country club community dedicated to preserving this precious country-private atmosphere. Two excellent 18-hole golf courses, the home to the popular Senior PGA Tour, are yours for the playing. After a day of excitement, there's nothing like crawling into a warm bed at the Lodge.
RETURN GR-CA-29 .IDENT;METRO=92067
Number of rooms:: 100
Rates: $
Restaurant: Vintage Room, Garden Room
Business facilities: Audio-visual, Copiers, Conference room capacity: 100
Sports facilities: Tennis, Pool, Croquet
Location: San Diego County
Attractions: San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park, Sea World, Mexico
Course: Rancho Santa Fe
Distance: 6,497, Par: 72
Rating: 71.3, No. of holes: 18
Guest policy: Inn guests have play privileges
Fees: ***
Reservations: 5 days in advance through Inn
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: No
Partially hidden among towering eucalyptus and citrus groves, the low, rambling inn remains one of those spots to which a loyal clientele returns year after year to enjoy the gentle climate and hospitality of a family-owned hostelry. RETURN Accommodations are in cottages or the main building, which houses a lounge furnished with family antiques, including a collection of models of sailing ships. Cottages have secluded porches or sun decks, and many have fireplaces, kitchens or wet bars. Diners find many options in a variety of settings. Choose from The Library, book-lined and cozy, or the Vintage Room, a replica of an early California taproom which opens onto a patio for dining and dancing under the stars in summer. The Garden Room, festooned in flowers, affords a sweeping view across emerald lawns and pool. The 20 acres of landscaped grounds provide a self-contained community offering leisurely seclusion with a swimming pool, tennis courts, and croquet. For ocean swimming and sunning, the inn maintains a beach cottage with showering and dressing facilities at nearby Del Mar. Within an hour's drive are Balboa Park and San Diego's Zoo, shopping and browsing in La Jolla, Sea World, and the new waterfront complex at San Diego's Seaport Village. Inn guests play at private Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club, a rolling, wooded, challenge designed by Max Behr, also credited with Pasadena Golf Club and Hacienda Country Club, and the first editor of Golf Illustrated magazine. The par 72 design claims #13 as its most noteworthy--no doubt due to a couple of small lakes to be carried.
.RF;002152
Rancho Bernardo Inn
Address: 17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr., San Diego, 92128 .BR:Phone: 619-487-1611 800-542-6096
Number of rooms:: 287
Rates: $$
Services: Valet, Barber shop, Beauty shop, Garage and parking, Car hire, Babysitting, Card or other game area, Laundry, RETURN Room service
Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: El Bizcocho
Bar: Labodega
Business facilities: Secretarial, Audio-visual, Conference room capacity: 450
Sports facilities: Pool, Tennis, Full Health Spa
Location: North County
Attractions: Sea World, Zoo, Old Town, Wild Animal Park
Course: West Course
Distance: 6,388, Par: 72
Rating: 70.5, No. of holes: 45
Guest policy: Call for reservations
Fees: **
Reservations: May be made one week in advance
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: Yes
When the United States regained control in 1846 of what is now San Diego, they found themselves with rich agricultural valleys, a perfect climate (average annual temperature of 72 degrees), and a Mexican-Spanish cultural tie that has spawned a RETURN paradise. Rancho Bernardo Inn, thirty miles northeast of downtown San Diego, is a low-slung, red-tiled rambling beauty of low-beamed ceilings, charming small public rooms, and a beautiful view of the San Pasqual Mountains. Add decorative touches of Indian, Mexican and early California artifacts, first-class accommodations, a championship golf course, a spa, excellent conference facilities, and the bottom line is a resort worthy of its accolades. Composed of 187 rooms including 55 suites, the Inn is enveloped by gardens, old sycamores and pines, and the meandering golf course with its lush fairways and little lakes. Just off the public foyer are smaller hideaways accented by unusual trinkets. A lute, a zither, an ancient accordion, horns, and cymbals of old brass blend in with assorted memorabilia--all part of the Inn's dedication to hospitality in attractive surroundings. Seven haciendas, of varying types, house guests. Decor is casual, yet spacious, with live plants, original artwork, and sliding doors that seem to bring the gardens to you. Group facilities are sought after for style, attention to detail, and the expert assistance of an assigned coordinator. The 3600 square feet of the Santiago Room, with its own plaza and surrounding garden, is highlighted by a fountain from Vicenza, Italy. North County is ideal for year round golf. Here one finds a gem of an eighteen hole par 72 course, and three executive nines. William Frances Bell designed the West Course, and the 27 holes of Oaks North was by Ted Robinson, architect of Tokatee in Oregon, and Sahalee Country Club's links in Washington, both rated as top courses. Home of the Honda Civic Classic, West's 6,388 yards weave through a long, winding valley, with streams and lakes seeming to be everywhere. On the eighteenth hole you drive from an elevated tee. It's a par 5 and the second shot must be placed between a like on the left, and trees on the right. Your shot to the three-tiered green must clear a cascading waterscape across the center front.
GR-CA-30
RETURN Number of rooms: 287
Rates: $101 to $174
Services: Valet, Barber shop, Beauty shop, Garage and parking, Car hire, Babysitting, Card or other game area, Laundry, Room service
Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: El Bizcocho
Bar: Labodega
Business facilities: Secretarial, Audio-visual, Conference room capacity: 450
Sports facilities: Pool, Tennis, Full Health Spa
Location: North County
Attractions: Sea World, Zoo, Old Town, Wild Animal Park
Course: West Course
Distance: 6,388, Par: 72
Rating: 70.5, Number of holes: 45
Guest Policy: Call for reservations
Pro's Name: Tom Wilson
Fees: Under $45.00
Reservations: May be made one week in advance
RETURN Season: Year round
Guest Carry Clubs: Yes
When the United States regained control in 1846 of what is now San Diego, they found themselves with rich agricultural valleys, a perfect climate (average annual temperature of 72 degrees), and a Mexican-Spanish cultural tie that has spawned a paradise. Rancho Bernardo Inn, thirty miles northeast of downtown San Diego, is a low-slung, red-tiled rambling beauty of low-beamed ceilings, charming small public rooms, and a beautiful view of the San Pasqual Mountains. Add decorative touches of Indian, Mexican and early California artifacts, first-class accommodations, a championship golf course, a spa, excellent conference facilities, and the bottom line is a resort worthy of its accolades. Composed of 187 rooms including 55 suites, the Inn is enveloped by gardens, old sycamores and pines, and the meandering golf course with its lush fairways and little lakes. Just off the public foyer are smaller hideaways accented by unusual trinkets. A lute, a zither, an ancient accordion, horns, and cymbals of old brass blend in with assorted memorabilia--all part of the Inn's dedication to hospitality in attractive surroundings. Seven haciendas, of varying types, house guests. Decor is casual, yet spacious, with live plants, original artwork, and sliding doors that seem to bring the gardens to you. Group facilities are sought after for style, attention to detail, and the expert assistance of an assigned coordinator. The 3600 square feet of the Santiago Room, with its own plaza and surrounding garden, is highlighted by a fountain from Vicenza, Italy. North County is ideal for year round golf. Here one finds a gem of an eighteen hole par 72 course, and three executive nines. William Frances Bell designed the West Course, and the 27 holes of Oaks North was by Ted Robinson, architect of Tokatee in Oregon, and Sahalee Country Club's links in Washington, both rated as top courses. Home of the Honda Civic Classic, West's 6,388 yards RETURN weave through a long, winding valley, with streams and lakes seeming to be everywhere. On the eighteenth hole you drive from an elevated tee. It's a par 5 and the second shot must be placed between a like on the left, and trees on the right. Your shot to the three-tiered green must clear a cascading waterscape across the center front.
GR-CA-31
Number of rooms:: 73
Rates: $$$
Services: Library, Parking, Babysitting, Card or other game area, Laundry, Recreation room with pool & Ping Pong, Playground, Supervised children's activities
Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: Ranch Room
Bar: Oak Room
Business facilities: Copiers, Audio-visual, Conference room capacity: 200
Sports facilities: Pool, Tennis, Riding, Sailing, Fishing, Volleyball, Shuffleboard
Location: Santa Barbara County
Attractions: Solvang, Conservatory Outdoor Theater, wineries
Course: Ranch Course (and River Course)
Distance: 6,296, Par: 72
Rating: 70.0, No. of holes: 18
RETURN Guest policy: Call for availability
Fees: **
Reservations: Depends on availability
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: Yes
Secluded 40 miles north of Santa Barbara, the West Coast's country club of guest ranches dates back to an 18th century land grant to Raimundo Carrillo for his service to the newly established Mexican government. The present owners bought the property in 1943 and shortly thereafter welcomed its first guests, and the rest is history. Today, cattle and deer graze on some of the last real California hill country devoted to cattle ranching, and an air of peaceful tranquility reigns over the manicured estate-like grounds. At the Alisal, you dine on some of the finest food anywhere and never need reservations (Modified American Plan) The busboy (who could double as a wrangler) might become your children's best friend. Fresh fish is brought in every day from nearby Morro Bay and Santa Barbara, and pastries and desserts are temptingly rich. The Oak Room Lounge, trimmed with handsome Western appointments and a roaring log fire, is the focal point for socializing, with entertainment nightly. The Alisal, which in Spanish means "sycamore grove," has seven tennis courts, a private 100 acre freshwater lake for fishing, boating, sailboats and windsurfs, plus a heated swimming pool, volleyball and shuffleboard. Spacious lawns surround the guest areas, and the "down home" atmosphere is conducive to a pickup game of touch football or Frisbee. The Firestone Vineyard, Gainey Vineyard and Zaca Mesa, both within easy reach of the Alisal, are fine examples of the Santa Ynez Valley's emerging wine industry. Visitors can tour the grounds, taste selected current releases RETURN and purchase wine. Take a bottle of Firestone Vineyard's noted Johannesburg Riesling on your picnic, visit a mission or two, shop in quaint Solvang or hike up a tree-shaded canyon. If you've been dying to take line-dancing lessons, there's all the "yah-hooing" you'll need to get you in the mood. As a golf resort, the Alisal ranks high. The par 72 Ranch course, designed by Billy Bell, blends ideally into the natural surroundings of the rolling terrain, dotted by 300 year old oak, sycamore and eucalyptus trees. The course is also home of the 1986 South California Seniors. The new River Course is a par 72 18-hole course with a rating of 73.1. This scenic course features four lakes and several holes which border the Santa Ynez River.
GR-CA-32
Number of rooms: 95
Rates: $
Golf course: Horse Thief CC
Distance: 6,678, Number of holes: 18, Par 72
Only 2 hours from the busy Los Angeles metropolitan area, you'll discover peace and quiet at Stallion Springs Resort. An 18-hole championship golf course offers a relaxing yet challenging day for the golfer, lighted tennis courts let you play into the night, and an Equestrian Center is just right for horse enthusiasts.
Cowpoke Camp offers seasonal activities with full- and half-day programs for children, family events, and contests. A fee is charged.
GR-CA-33
RETURN Number of rooms: 82
Rates: $$
Golf course: Temecula Creek
Distance: 6,789, Par: 72, Number of holes: 27
Situated between Los Angeles and San Diego is Temecula, the home of Temecula Creek Inn. A warm welcome awaits you in the handsomely appointed lobby. Newly remodeled guest rooms and a meeting or banquet room are ready for you. For your golfing, a beautiful 18-hole course with slope rating 125 championship and 111 regular awaits your skilled swing.
GR-CA-34
Number of rooms:: 144
Rates: $
Services: Free shuttle buses, Sundries, Newsstand, Deli, Concierge, Saunas
Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: Timbercreek, Clubhouse, Village Food Company
Bar: Lively
Business facilities: Conference rooms
Sports facilities: Tennis, Pool, Pro shop, Stables, Mountain biking, Adventure Challenge Course, Exercise/weight room
Location: North Lake Tahoe
Attractions: Lake Tahoe, casinos nearby, Reno, river rafting
RETURN Course: Northstar
Distance: 6,897, Par: 72
Rating: 69.0, No. of holes: 18
Fees: **
Reservations: Inquire at pro shop
Season: May--October
Guest carry clubs: Yes
Tahoe has long been a destination for those seeking the serenity of the clear deep waters of its large lake, the grand peaks of the Sierra Nevada, and its proximity to the glitter of the Nevada casinos. The development is a year-round mecca for those yearning for a mountain resort with family activities in northern California. Wooden buildings with a rustic flair blend well with the environment, yet lodging facilities, ranging from hotel rooms to condominiums, are comfortable without being cutesy. There are several good restaurants in Truckee, a short drive away, and within the resort there are several choices. A cozy bar serves libations; you could try the Basque club for dinner; there is a good pizza place on the premises; and a fully stocked deli is there to help you fill the refrigerator. You can play tennis, take off on a hiking trail for vistas without parallel, swim in the Olympic-size pool, or see about tubing down the Truckee, a favorite with kids. The resort's stables could provide a gentle mount, or you could take a picnic and kites to a meadow. Fishing, bicycling, rock climbing, or sailing on the lake are options worth considering. Children thrive here, and there are programs for every age. As for golf, the older nine meanders through groves of tall pines and aspen, with Martis Creek twisting around to haunt you. The front nine, by RETURN Robert Muir Graves, hugs the valley, which was sheep country be developers came. Slope ratings are 130 Championship, and 113 Regular. The Day Camp offers educational and recreational activities for children 2-10 from late June through Labor Day. The facility is licensed for child care.
GR-CA-35
Number of rooms: 30
Rates: $
Distance: 6,969, Par: 72, Number of holes: 18
On the north slope of majestic Mount Shasta, lies the exciting challenge of championship golf. Four sets of strategically placed tees leading to broad fairways, large undulating greens, well placed sand traps, a generous display of lakes and water hazards. One bedroom condominiums surround the clubhouse. All with hide-a-beds in the living room, decks, color TV, phones, kitchenettes, and fabulous views.
GR-CA-36 .ATTRIBUTE;FULL=Y
Number of rooms:: 487
Rates: $$$
Services: Valet, Beauty shop, Car hire, House doctor, Babysitting, Laundry, Card/game area, Room service
Restrictions: No pets, no children in spa
Restaurant: Brasserie La Costa, Pisces, Ristorante Figaro
Business facilities: Message center, Secretarial, Conference room capacity: 1,000
RETURN Sports facilities: 2 pools, Tennis, Health spa
Attractions: Sea World, San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park
Course: South Course, North Course
Distance: 6,896, Par: 72
Rating: 73.7, No. of holes: 36
Guest policy: 18 holes open daily to guests
Fees: **
Reservations: May be made 1 week in advance
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: No, Caddies
One of the world's leading resorts, La Costa Hotel & Spa features extensive spa facilities that attract prominent figures from the worlds of entertainment, sports, and arts. The men's and women's Spas at La Costa serve as twin centerpieces for this 1,000-acre private world of resort pleasures. Here the natural scenic splendor of Southern California's Costa Brava combine with world- class golf and countless other amenities that make La Costa living an experience of timeless elegance. Enjoy tennis on your choice of the Racquet Club's 23 courts-- including two grass, four clay and 17 hardcourt surfaces--and swim in heated pools featuring a lovely aquatic center overlooking the golf course. But, don't miss the Spa that will keep you coming back. Relax in a sauna, rock steam bath, Swiss shower, Roman pool, whirlpool or a solarium. And for that extra boost, schedule yourself for a facial, massage, herbal wrap or loofah scrub. It's a world dedicated solely to the deep RETURN satisfaction and sensual pleasures of vibrant health and radiant good looks. The pros who play in the annual MONY Tournament of Champions have dubbed the last four holes of the South Course "the longest mile in golf." What they find so tough isn't their length as much as it is the head winds which come off the ocean, according to Jack Millard, head professional who also serves as assistant director of the nationally televised PGA tournament. You'll no doubt want to tackle both of these highly-acclaimed eighteen-hole courses, which are surrounded on three sides by towering hills. A tee shot on the North Course's picturesque 16th, 181-yard par three, involves a lake that edges into play from the left and leads to a large, undulating green--well protected by bunkers and backed by a beautiful waterfall. Greens are well-elevated, rolling to flat fairways which are an ample 35 to 40 yards wide, and players find a generous supply of sand traps--calling for careful follow-through on recovery shots. The South Course features the famed par-5, 546 yard 17th hole, a true test of driving skill and shot-making at every stroke, while the North Course consists of classic holes with a variety of intriguing water hazards. Camp La Costa has very imaginative activities such as kite flying, walk to nearby fire station, learning about the world, arts and crafts, golf, tennis, and swimming. The program is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with lunch included at $35 per child. The night program on Friday and Saturday evenings offers appetizers and dinner, with a scavenger hunt, a story hour, or a pinata at $30 per child.
GR-CA-37 .ATTRIBUTE;FULL=Y
Number of rooms:: 142
Rates: $
Restaurant: three fine restaurants
RETURN Bar: 2 Lounges
Business facilities: Business center, Full conference facilities
Sports facilities: Lake, Pool, Tennis (4 courts), Jacuzzi tubs, Fitness room, Boating
Attractions: San Diego attractions
Course: Lake San Marcos Country Club
Distance: 6,515,
Rating: 69.4, No. of holes: 36
Reservations: Resort guests may book in advance
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: No
The magic begins the moment you arrive at San Diego's only lakeside resort, Lake San Marcos Resort. Lake San Marcos is centrally located to all of San Diego's attractions, yet it is comfortably secluded on its own 80-acre lake. This resort offers many sporting and recreational activities, such tennis, paddle tennis, billiards, swimming, and fitness rooms. On the lake, one can enjoy boating, watching the majestic swans glide across the lake, or even feeding the friendly ducks. Fine dining can be enjoyed at three restaurants located at the resort. The nearby California Restaurant Row, boasting 13 unique restaurants, is a popular place for guests to dine as well, and it is only a 5-minute drive away. Golf is offered on two 18-hole golf courses. Elevated greens, rolling fairways and tees overlooking beautiful views of Lake San Marcos. Hole 3 is the one to look for; 609 yards, par 5, with dogleg left uphill and a very contoured green, it's known as "The Monster". Those who RETURN want to improve their game can visit the golf teaching center for additional lessons. Groups of up to 60 may play, early or late in the day. The country club requests that no short shorts, jeans or tank tops be worn on the greens.
GR-VA-1
Number of rooms: 100
Rates: $$
Golf course: Bryce Resort
Distance: 6,175, Par: 71, Number of holes: 18
Test your expertise on Bryce Resort's par 71 golf course built along the mountains of Shenandoah Valley, challenge your muscles to a vigorous new sport called grass skiing, take in the spectacular view of Lake Laura by horseback, or learn to glide on its glassy surface with windsurfing lessons. Bryce Resort offers your choice
GR-VA-2
Number of rooms: 175
Rates: $$
Golf course: Birdwood
Distance: 6,821, Par: 72, Number of holes: 18
Welcome to The Boar's Head Inn, where the focal point of this country estate resort is a reconstructed old grist mill that now serves as a fine restaurant with candlelight dining. Check into one of 175 guest rooms and suites, all charmingly RETURN furnished with custom furnishings to reflect the English antiques found throughout the inn. Then
GR-VA-2A
Number of rooms: 191
Rates: $95.00-$105.00
Golf course: Shannon Green
Distance: 7,100, Par: 72, Number of holes: 18
For the best of two worlds, come to Sheraton-Fredericksburg Resort, where you'll be treated to the finest of country charm and city sophistication. For meetings of up to 800 or a romantic weekend getaway for 2, this resort has what you need to make it a special success. Reserve a spacious guest room or suite and take advantage of excellent dining at Sheraton's restaurants, a 7,100-yard golf
GR-VA-3
Number of rooms:: 600
Rates: $$$
Services: Valet, Library, Barber, Beauty shop, Garage and parking, Car hire, House doctor, Babysitting, Card/game area, Laundry, Room service, Children's introductory sports program
Restrictions: Pets limited, please ask.
Restaurant: Dining room, 7 restaurants
Bar: The Bar, Sports Bar
RETURN Business facilities: Secretarial, Telex, Conference room capacity: 26 rooms
Sports facilities: Pool, Tennis, Croquet, Riding, Spa and mineral baths, Bowling
Location: Bath County
Attractions: Stonewall Jackson's home, Natural Bridge
Course: Cascades, Homestead, Lower Cascades
Distance: 6,282, Par: 70
Rating: 70.0, No. of holes: 54
Guest policy: Call for availability
Fees: **
Reservations: Tee time needed,make 1 week advance
Season: Spring--late fall
Guest carry clubs: No
You are in for a treat should you take the Skyline Drive of the Blue Ridge Parkway and make the Homestead your destination. Here you'll step back to an era where gentlemen open doors, piano music accompanies high tea, and coats and ties are de rigueur. You'll see no blue jeans, minis or shorts here, for the management continues to stress a standard of gracious living not often found. Amidst mountains, valleys, streams and those unforgettable hot springs, this 15,000 acre venerable resort is renowned for superb golf and tennis, thermal baths, and trap and skeet shooting, in a relaxed traditional environment. The large Kentucky red brick hotel with its famous clock tower has 600 rooms, impressive salons, wide RETURN colonnades for strolling, rolling lawns, and diversions such as carriage riding and lawn bowling. Miles of scenic trails wind through the Virginia countryside for horseback riding, and the trout are plentiful in the resort's beautiful mountain stream. Other activities include swimming in indoor or outdoor pools, archery, bowling on eight tenpin lanes and a range of indoor games plus nightly movies, or an evening of dancing. Considered by many to be the best mountain course, Cascades Upper is hilly and demanding, requiring a variety of shots. The architect of the par-70 course was William Flynn, designer of Shinnecock Hills, site of the 1986 U.S. Open, and Cherry Hills, where Arnold Palmer shot a 65 to win the U.S. Open in 1960. (A young amateur named Jack Nicklaus finished second.) Sam Snead, who grew up down the road, and caddied Cascades as a boy says, "it's the most complete golf course I know of...the perfect place to practice for a tournament because you have to hit every shot in the bag. The drive, long irons, fairway woods, delicate pitches over water, side hill, uphill, downhill lies, long and short trap shots--everything!" The United States' oldest golf championship, the U.S.
GR-VA-4
Number of rooms:: 64
Rates: $$
Services: Valet, Parking, Car hire, Babysitting, Game area, Laundry, Summer children's program, Yacht cruises and oyster roasts, Gift shop, Pro shop, Room service
Restrictions: Pets limited, please ask.
Restaurant:The Binnacle, The Royal Stewart Dining Room
RETURN Bar: McD's Pub
Business facilities: Audio-visual, Secretarial, Copiers, Conference room capacity: 100
Sports facilities: Pools, Sauna, Tennis, Putting Green, Practice Range, Exercise Room, Sailboats, Canoeing, Croquet, Bicycling
Location: Northern Neck
Attractions: Christ Church, Stratford Hall, Yorktown, Wakefield, Antique shops
Course: The Tartan
Distance: 6,566, Par: 72
Rating: 69.9, No. of holes: 18
Guest policy: Call for tee times
Fees: *
Reservations: As soon as possible
Season: March--December
Guest carry clubs: Yes
Nestled on its own 175-acre private peninsula in the historic Tidewater region of Virginia, this luxurious AAA Four Diamond Resort features championship golf within steps of your room, highly acclaimed cuisine, a marina and service par excellence. All rooms and suites have at least one private balcony and a water view, color cable TV, a refrigerator, and a stocked bar. Children under 18 stay free. Golf packages and all-inclusive "Scottish" packages are available. Whether you RETURN dine in the Royal Stewart dining room or the more casual Binnacle Restaurant overlooking the marina, you'll find the chefs prepare the finest innovative cuisine with homemade breads, fresh local seafoods, and succulent desserts . . . all flavored just so to give you a real taste of the spirit of Virginia's hospitality. There's plenty to please the seafood lover's palette, as well as the landlubber's. For a relaxing treat before dinner, enjoy a cocktail at McD's Pub and watch the sun set.
GR-VA-5
Number of rooms: 132
Rates: up to $100.00
Golf Course: Leesburg Westpark Hotel
Par: 71, Number of holes: 18
Designated an Historic District by the Virginia Landmarks Commission, Leesburg is the site of some of the finest restaurants and antique shops around, not to mention the home of the Westpark Hotel and its fabulous 18- hole championship golf course. Don't miss a tour of grand 18th-century mansions featuring breathtaking
GR-VA-6
Number of rooms: 42
Rates: $
Golf course: Shenvalee Olde/Creek/Miller
Distance: 6,358, Par 71, Number of holes: 27
The Shenvalee 18-hole PGA golf course is only one of many attractions here in the Shenandoah Valley. Besides tennis and RETURN swimming on the site, you'll want to visit the world famous Shenandoah Caverns, Endless Caverns, and Luray Caverns, only minutes away. Experience the drama of the Civil War in the "Hall of Valor"
GR-VA-6A
Number of rooms: 306
Rates: $
Golf course: Lake Wright
Distance: 6,174, Par: 70, Number of holes: 18
Just minutes from Williamsburg, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Waterside, Lake Wright offers all the amenities of home. Park at your door and step into one of 304 newly remodeled units. For recreation, you'll have an Olympic size pool and putting greens on site. For more of a challenge, tour the 5 different 18-hole courses nearby, including Lake Wright Golf Course.
GR-VA-7
Number of rooms:: 120
Rates: $
Services: TV, Radio
Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: Cafe-on-the-Green
Bar: Jubilation
Business facilities: Audio-visual, Copiers, Conference room capacity: 400
RETURN Sports facilities: Tennis, Pool
Location: Shenandoah Valley
Attractions: American Frontier Culture Museum, Monticello
Course: Country Club of Staunton
Distance: 6,342, Par: 71
Rating: 71.6, No. of holes: 18
Guest policy: Guests receive pass at registration
Fees: *
Reservations: May be made 24 hours in advance
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: Yes
The Shenandoah Valley is the heart of the mighty Appalachian Mountain chain--bounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains on the east and the Alleghenies to the west, this country was revered by Indians and white men for hundreds of years. George Washington surveyed land here and became a landowner, and required all his tenants to plant at least four acres of apple trees--a legacy you can enjoy today. The Sheraton in Staunton is a good place to headquarter for business or pleasure. Rooms have balconies and sweeping views of wooded terrain or overlook the golf course. Restaurants, banquet and meeting facilities, a driving range, tennis and a large indoor pool are offered the visitor. Area attractions include guided tours of the Woodrow Wilson birthplace, the Virginia Equestrian Center, historic Lexington, and The Museum of American Frontier RETURN Culture. The Country Club of Staunton is literally at your doorstep and what a find! Its the home of the 1988 Virginia PGA Championship, and numerous tournaments. Beautiful rolling fairways and classic greens, some sloped, all under the watchful eye of the mountains. Not too much water. An exceedingly friendly staff can help you rent clubs, and for $20 added to your already reasonable $15 lesson, you'll get a video. And maybe an apple blossom or two.
GR-VA-8
Number of rooms:: 20
Rates: $$
Services: Bellmen, Concierge, Daily maid, Linen, Valet, CC membership, Hospitality van, Complimentary range balls
Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: "The Dining Room"
Bar: Piano Bar
Business facilities: Available to small groups
Sports facilities: Jogging trails, Aerobics, Weight equip.
Location: 4 mi. from Williamsburg
Attractions: Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens, Jamestown
Course: Ford's Colony Blue/Gold, Red/White
Distance: 3371, Par: 36
Rating: 70.3, No. of holes: 36
RETURN Guest policy: Call Pro Shop for information
Fees: **
Reservations: Accepted 30 days in advance
Guest carry clubs: No
Inspired by its proximity to the Colonial capital named for King William of Orange, Ford's Colony offers a golfing vacation in a prestigious country club community. Guests stay in luxuriously appointed condominiums located in the heart of Ford's Colony. These 2 and 3 bedroom condominium homes are spaciously designed to give you plenty of room to relax and stretch out. With so much to do at Ford's Colony, we know that when you play hard you want to rest easy. After a full day of golf, tennis or sightseeing in nearby Williamsburg, you'll appreciate coming home to a whirlpool tub, fully equipped kitchen and cable TV. Beyond sports, you'll enjoy dining and entertainment at our gracious Ford's Colony Clubhouse. Renowned for its carefully stocked wine cellar, the restaurant is a drawing card for connoisseurs. An evening of impressive service and charm is capped by an Esprit de Cognac in the intimate Lounge. The Dan Maples designed golf courses provide challenges for all caliber of golfers. Three or four sets of tees on each hole permit the golfers to accept the challenge of their choice. Each hole is distinctive with rolling bermuda grass fairways, speckled with sand and water, and lined with oak, hickory, holly and dogwood trees. Undulating bentgrass greens provide inviting targets on each hole. Ford's Colony has the honor of hosting the qualifying rounds for the Anheuser-Busch Classic, Yamaha Cup Matches, and in 1989, the MAPGA Tournament of Champions. Ford's Colony puts you at the center of rich and varied sightseeing, shopping and sporting opportunities. Step back into 18th century life at Colonial Williamsburg. Feel the seafaring RETURN mystique of Jamestown, or relive America's heritage on the Revolutionary War battlefield of Yorktown. For amusement, the magic of Busch Gardens awaits your active pleasure. As for shopping, browse 'til your heart's content at a myriad of quaint shops lining the historic streets. Or, search for bargains at the well known Williamsburg Pottery Factory and a variety of other brand-name outlets dotting the area. For sea-lovers, there are sailing, boating and fishing .
GR-VA-9
Number of rooms:: 352
Rates: $$
Services: Cable TV
Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: Riverview, Bray, Peyton & Peyton Grillas
Bar: Moody's Tavern
Business facilities: Audio-visual, Copiers, Conference room capacity: 300
Sports facilities: Tennis, Pool, Racquetball, Spa, Playground
Location: Williamsburg (Col.)
Attractions: Williamsburg Pottery, Outlets, Busch Gardens, Historic Plantation
Course: River Course, Plantation Course
Distance: 6,776, Par: 71
Rating: 74.5, No. of holes: 36
RETURN Guest policy: Call for availability
Fees: **
Reservations: May be made with room reservations
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: No
There are a few places that each of us should visit during our lifetime, and Williamsburg, swathed in history, and basking in glorious restoration heads the list. Developed by Anheuser-Busch, this meticulously-planned conference center/resort reeks of quality in concept, design, and amenities. Lodging is in condominiums which vary in size. The 60,000 square foot conference center can accommodate large and small meetings, and offers state-of-the-art facilities. There are several fine restaurants on the premises, all offering expansive views of the historic James. Don't miss the colonial atmosphere at Moody's Tavern--a paneled cozy gathering place. The Sports Club is fully equipped with indoor and outdoor pools, saunas and racquetball courts, even a grill, while a game room for billiards, cards and chess occupies the top floor. Tennis buffs appreciate a complete shop and 12 all-weather courts, plus use of a ball machine. The marina's gorgeous--in a protected harbor with picnic and beach area. Its here that you'll get everything you need for saltwater and freshwater fishing, or tie up if you're cruising the area. You'll have all of historic Williamsburg to devour, plus the wonders of adjacent Busch Gardens, a re-creation of eight European villages. In addition, there are more than 30 rides, shopping and live entertainment. The accolades accorded golf facilities here are well-deserved. Challenge yourself to Pete Dye's River Course, home of the PGA Anheuser Busch Golf Classic. Walk the fairways where Tom Sieckmann, after overshooting the 18th RETURN green, took home the money in 1988. Plenty of big rolls and swells on the greens. Or tee off on Arnold Palmer's Plantation Course, around ponds, lakes and river views. Curtis Strange, a familiar figure especially after the 1988 U.S. Open, is the Touring Pro; he frequently conducts clinics and exhibitions here. As if all this isn't enough the Golf Shop heads the list of "friendliest and most helpful anywhere."
GR-VA-10
Number of rooms:: 235
Rates: $$
Services: Valet, Library, Barber, Beauty shop, Outside parking, Complimentary shoeshine, Babysitting, Card/game area, Laundry, Complimentary afternoon tea, Room service
Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: Regency Dining Room
Bar: Regency Lounge
Business facilities: Secretarial, Copiers, Conference room capacity: 65
Sports facilities: Pool, Tennis, Croquet, Full Health spa
Location: Tidewater
Attractions: Historic area Colonial Williamsburg, craft shops
Course: Golden Horseshoe, Green
Distance: 6,340, Par: 71
RETURN Rating: 70.0, No. of holes: 36
Guest policy: Non-guests pay higher fees
Fees: **
Reservations: When room reservations are made
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: Yes
The restoration of Virginia's 18th century capital, where George Washington, Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson plotted revolution, is an exercise in authenticity not to be missed. Located adjacent to the 173-acre Historic Area, the whitewashed brick rambling Regency style Inn, built in 1937, is furnished with antiques and faithful reproductions. Owned and operated by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, the Inn also offers accommodations in taverns and colonial homes within the Historic Area. Providence Hall, a restored home, is available for special events. The Inn's guest list is long and impressive, and includes Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, the Emperor and Empress of Japan, Sir Winston Churchill, movie personalities such as Elizabeth Taylor, John Wayne, and Ronald Reagan. The Regency Dining Room, a study in tranquil green, Empire accents, and Chinoiserie, reflects the quiet elegance of the landed gentry of 19th century England. An exquisite afternoon tea is served daily in the East Lounge, while the Regency Lounge is a comfortable meeting spot, complete with piano music. Recreational and sports facilities include 4 clay and 4 Hartru tennis courts, an indoor and an outdoor swimming pool, lawn bowling, croquet, and a full health spa. Golfers will find 27 holes of challenging Robert Trent Jones' design here in Virginia's picturesque Tidewater area. Each August, the course hosts the Middle Atlantic PGA RETURN Championship, but other times guests have no trouble getting a tee time. Opened in 1963, the Golden Horseshoe Golf Course spreads over 125 acres of rolling terrain, with fairways stretching over a five- acre lake, up densely wooded ravines, and through glades of flowering trees and bushes, culminating in large sculptured greens. The hole that seems to fascinate the most is the 16th-- "island green". The par-three, 168-yard hole plays without fairway to a green completely surrounded by water. As if the water isn't enough, Jones tempts the wayward ball with three menacing bunkers at water's edge. Jack Nicklaus established the course record--67 from the championship tees, in 1967. An additional nine holes, the par-31 Spotswood Course, also by Jones, has plenty of doglegs, lakes, and cushioned turf.
GR-VA-11
Rates: $$$
Services: Room service, Shops
Restaurant: Rappahannock Dining Room, "Cap'n B's", Summer House, The Tides Lodge
Bar: Chesapeake Club
Business facilities: Conference Rooms
Sports facilities: Tennis, Boating, Health Club, Swimming
Location: Rappahannock River
Attractions: Birth places of Washington & Lee, Williamsburg
Course: Golden Eagle
Distance: 6,950, Par: 72
RETURN Rating: 70.9, No. of holes: 18
Guest policy: Call for tee time, guests have priority
Fees: *
Reservations: Telephone for reservations
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: Yes
Poised on the shores of historic Carter's Creek and the Rappahannock River, The Tides Inn is a small family resort whose main attraction is its idyllic setting. Just an hour's drive north of Williamsburg and three hours south of Washington, DC, this forty-year-old rambling clapboard Inn hosts many returning guests who seek the relaxed pace, amenities and climate of Virginia's Northern Neck. Most rooms have spectacular water views and many have balconies. The Lee Suite, with 2 canopied beds, jacuzzi and marble counters, is accented with lovely antiques. Lunch and cocktails are served at the Summer House, aboard the yachts, at the Beach Pavilion or at Cap'n B's at the Golden Eagle. Dinner in the Rappahannock Dining Room overlooking the river, might begin with a hot oyster cocktail and be followed by luscious sauteed soft shell crab. The Inn's policy is to offer activities on a complimentary basis, except for golf, mid-April to November. This includes yacht cruises, paddleboats, oyster roasts, bicycles, and canoes. History buffs can explore the birthplaces of Washington and Lee, the shops and lore of colonial Williamsburg, and the backroads of Lancaster County. Two eighteen-hole courses are available for guests, the Golden Eagle, and Tartan Golf Course. The Golden Eagle, designed by George Cobb, was chosen in 1989 by Golf Digest as one of the Top 3 Courses in Virginia, and is the site of the Virginia State Amateur Golf Tournament RETURN for 1991. Several holes play over the lake on a course that's fairly hilly considering this is a fairly flat part of Virginia. #5 is the one to write home about--a great par 4 experience! The tee shot is difficult because the player must bite off only what he thinks he can carry on the fly. Water, again, but the carry is a shorter one--and then the green. Its guarded by water on the left and two large bunkers on the right, sloping gently towards the water. Good shots are rewarded, and poor ones penalized. Tartan is noted for narrow tree-lined fairways, water on 10 holes, and numerous twists, dog-legs and dips. Greens are large, and a gurgling stream seems to be everywhere. Our Crab Net Kids children's program is offered at no charge, and is available seven days a week. Activities such as Crabbing, Paddle Boating, Sand Castles, Nature Walks, Croquet, Games, Yard games at the playground and much more! Wednesday and Saturday evenings there is also a "Coketail and Dinner Party" with a movie following.
GR-TN-1
Number of rooms:: 230
Rates: $
Services: Shops, Beauty shop, Pharmacy, Bank, Shops, children's playground
Restaurant: Greenhouse
Bar: Inglenook
Business facilities: Audio-visual, Conference room capacity: 400
Sports facilities: Tennis, Pools, Miniature Golf,Riding
RETURN Location: Cumberland County
Attractions: Cumberland Co. Playhouse, Catoosa Wildlife Area
Course: Stonehenge
Distance: 6,202, Par: 72
Rating: 69.9, No. of holes: 45
Guest policy: Must be registered guest to play
Fees: **
Reservations: 5 days in advance, or earlier
Season: March--December
Guest carry clubs: No
This is an understated place where you can set your own pace. Located between Knoxville and Nashville, Fairfield Glade's next door neighbor is 84,000 acres of protected forest abounding with game. You can stay in the 100 room lodge, or in a condominium. There's a feeling of spaciousness here. No wonder, the resort is on 12,000 acres of Cumberland plateau and includes 4 gold courses, three pools, a full-service marina, tennis facilities, numerous lakes, a children's playground, and miniature golf. This is a wonderful place for bicycling and horseback riding, particularly in spring and fall. Two restaurants and a couple of lively lounges offer a variety of entertainment, and a shopping complex nearby ensures the availability of everything. Fairfield Glade is the only course in the state claiming bentgrass tees, greens, and fairways, the layout has many elevation changes with lots of natural rock outcroppings, mountain streams and lakes, and maple, laurel and rhododendron RETURN lining the fairways. #14 is a favorite--a par three that drops 90 feet from tee to green with a placid lake as backdrop. Stonehenge is closed January and February, but fear not, the kindly pro assures us that at least two of the four are open all year.
GR-TN-2
Number of rooms: 108
Rates: $
Golf course: Bent Creek
Distance: 6,084, Par: 72, Number of holes: 18
Bent Creek of Gatlinburg, the golf and tennis resort of the Smokies, offers the total vacation experience. Nestled in a beautiful setting, this unique resort is located just a few miles from charming Gatlinburg. Accommodations include spacious suites with king-size beds and fireplaces, each with a fairway and mountain view. The Pro's Table Restaurant specializes in Smoke Prime Rib and seafood specialties.
GR-TX-1
Number of rooms:: 147
Rates: $$
Services: Airport transfers, Sundries shop, Handicapped room, Spanish- speaking translators, Mini-bars, Fireplaces
Restrictions: No pets
RETURN Restaurant: The Palm Court
Bar: Jim Bob's
Business facilities: Full conference facilities, Conference room capacity: 320
Sports facilities: Tennis, Pools, Volleyball, Health spa
Location: 15 min. west of Austin
Attractions: Trip to Salado, Grace Jones boutique, LBJ Library
Course: Crenshaw-Coore Course, Fazio Course, Palmer-Lakeside Course
Distance: 6,900, Par: 71 No. of holes: 54
Guest policy: Request tee times through hotel reservation.
Fees: **
Reservations: Inquire about tee times when booking
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: No
Welcome to Austin...capital of the great state and home of the University of Texas, the LBJ Library and a nationally recognized array of live music featured in the historic Sixth Street district. And Austin is fast acquiring a reputation as a golfer's paradise. Nestled among the hills just west of the Capitol City, Barton Creek Resort is a world of its own, offering 150 guest rooms and suites and a full range of amenities and services. The resort's rooms are designed with the discriminating guest in mind, offering luxuriously thick bath robes and such amenities as remote color TV and bathroom RETURN telephones. Every guest at Barton Creek is a "member", as its staff's impeccable Texas hospitality is the pride of the resort. Interiors reflect the casual, yet up-scale flair of the property's natural surroundings and feature Remington sculpture and dramatic sprays of freshly cut flowers. For special occasions, The Palm Court features the ambiance of an exclusive club and flambe cuisine prepared tableside. The Tejas Room is more casual for lunch or dinner; The Terrace Room serves a lunch and a breakfast; and The Grille serves lighter fare which may be ordered from the golf course. During a stay at Barton Creek, take a short drive through the surrounding Texas Hill Country and discover the colorful German town of Fredericksburg, the Bluebonnet Trail and the LBJ Ranch. Forget your image of a flat, barren dusty Texas. The area is a unique region of the state where strange rock formations, live oak, cedar, rugged cliffs and winding rivers abound. Highlighting this dramatic terrain is Barton Creek's resort's Tom Fazio golf course which has quickly acquired the reputation as on of the nation's finest. A second course, designed by Barton Creek's touring professional, Ben Crenshaw and partner Bill Coore, is now in play for resort guests. The Coore & Crenshaw course is a masterpiece of design and integrity as it introduces native grasses, wildflowers and varied elevations. The course reflects Coore & Crenshaw's philosophy of allowing the design to take its natural "course" from the features of the land. Barton Creek's dramatic terrain has lent its hand in the creation of a truly magnificent golf course. Righteous bursts of wildflowers and pleasing, rolling terrain...Hill Country golf has found its showcase.
GR-TX-2
Number of rooms: 168
Rates: $
RETURN Fax: 512-261-7322
Golf course: Yalldon, Live Oak, Hills
Distance: 6,565, Par: 72, Number of holes: 54
Rimmed by 65-mile long Lake Travis, Lakeway Inn is the place to be for water sports activities. Ski, swim, sail, or if you prefer, arrange a party cruise aboard the 101-foot Flagship Texas and enjoy the lake without getting wet. Golfers may have a harder time avoiding water on 36 holes and tennis lovers will love 32 courts and a racquet shaped pool at the World of Tennis. For a Texas-size adventure, ride into the sunset on old Chisholm Trail.
GR-TX-3
Number of rooms: 62
Rates: $$
Fax: 210-796-8205
Golf course: Flying "L"
Distance: 6,787, Par: 72, Number of holes: 18
This is The Mayan Dude Ranch, where you'll stay in Western native rock cottages, the Mayan Lodge, Log Cabin, or Hitchin Post...where you can pretend you're "roughin it" or you can take advantage of all the modern amenities expected of a fine resort. After a few days at the ranch, you'll be a regular cowboy. Travel by horseback or hay wagon to a hearty breakfast, then enjoy a day of tennis or golf nearby.
GR-TX-4
RETURN Number of rooms: 88
Rates: up to $100.00
Golf Course: Topatio Springs
Distance: 6,600, Par: 72, Number of holes: 27
Nestled in a secluded valley known as Thunder Valley Ranch, Tapatio Springs offers the easy pace of country club living. Custom designed homes and condominiums perch on the hills surrounding the fabulous 18-hole, Billy Johnston designed golf course, while the unique 7 building hotel complex offers the finest in amenities to the short-term visitor.
GR-TX-6
Number of rooms: 88
Rates: up to $100.00
Golf Course: Topatio Springs
Distance: 6,600, Par: 72, Number of holes: 27
Nestled in a secluded valley known as Thunder Valley Ranch, Tapatio Springs offers the easy pace of country club living. Custom designed homes and condominiums perch on the hills surrounding the fabulous 18-hole, Billy Johnston designed golf course, while the unique 7 building hotel complex offers the finest in amenities to the short-term visitor.
GR-TX-7
Golf Course: Padre Isles CC
Distance: 6,656, Par.72, Number of holes:18
RETURN Though you'll be staying only 20 minutes from regional shopping, major restaurants, and theaters, Padre Isles is a world apart. From miles of beautiful beach, you'll be able to launch on myriad adventures, including fresh and deep sea fishing, jetskiing, and wind surfing. Golf adventures are no less limited; 5 mearby golf courses are available to you. Accommodations can be arranged nearby.
GR-TX-8
Number of rooms:: 1400
Rates: $$
Services: Garage and parking, Car hire, Shoeshine, Babysitting, Summer game room, Laundry (valet), Room service
Restrictions: Pets limited, please ask.
Restaurant: Nonna's
Bar: O'Shaughnessy's
Business facilities: Secretarial, Telex
Sports facilities: Pool, Handball, Racquetball, Spa
Location: Tarrant & Dallas Co.
Attractions: Galleria Mall, Neiman Marcus, Hard Rock Cafe
Course: Hyatt Bear Creek, West, East
Distance: 6,677, Par: 72
Rating: 72.7, No. of holes: 36
RETURN Guest policy: Call for availability
Fees: *
Reservations: May be made any time
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: Yes
.SK; As a prominent attraction within the DFW Airport, the twin towers of the 1,390 room Hyatt Regency offer the elegant touches familiar to Hyatt clientele, first rate meeting facilities, and a championship golf course. Recently face lifted, guests will find all the amenities here, in addition to the convenient location. The lobby is Southwestern contemporary in decor, with an earthy palette of teal and peach. Light stained oak, exquisite chandeliers and original Texas artwork complete the picture. Two floors feature Hyatt's Regency Club, with complimentary continental breakfast, and afternoon cocktails in the private lounge. Open 24 hours, Sullivan O'Shaughnessy's Grill is reminiscent of a 1950's corner drugstore. An Irish pub of the same name is nearby, while Brighton's Express Lounge is definitely Victorian. Papayas' welcomes travelers for casual fare, and for hearty steaks, fresh seafood and mesquite-grilled specialties, you might try Mister G's. Care for a taste of northern Italy? Sit back and hear an aria sung by your waiter as you dine on tortellini and veal parmigiana at Il Nonnos, or enjoy the lobby piano bar's offerings. The environs are worth exploring. You can drive to Southfork, home of the Ewings, or take in Six Flags Over Texas, a theme park. Try Wet 'n Wild, a Texas-sized park of waterslides and inner tube chutes, or head for some legendary names such as Neiman-Marcus, and Bloomingdale's. Old City Park, close to downtown, with its restored Victorian houses, log cabins and an old railroad depot, appeals to all ages. Hyatt Regency DFW also RETURN manages Hyatt Bear Creek Golf & Racquet Club, a 335-acre resort, just a five-minute shuttle ride away. It's a gorgeous layout of rolling hills, mature oak and cottonwood trees, two 18 hole golf courses, a driving range, practice bunkers and 2 putting greens, 2 picnic pavilions, and a snack bar and lounge. Tennis buffs will find 7 Laykold courts. Ted Robinson designed the East Course in 1980, and it has since hosted many tournaments including the PGA Regional Qualifying, National Lefthanders, Texas State Open, National Juniors Championship, and the MDA Gatlin Brothers Tournament. #5 East Course is a picturesque par-4 that's not long, but requires 2 perfectly placed shots over water to reach the bentgrass greens. Shoppers take note: the Golf Shop is considered one of the best in the country.
GR-TX-10
Number of rooms:: 350
Rates: $$
Services: Valet, Beauty Shop, Car hire, Card or other game area
Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: Yacht Club, Captain's Table
Bar: Anchor Lounge
Business facilities: Copiers, Audio-visual, Fax, Conference room capacity: 250
Sports facilities: Tennis, Water Ski, Sailing, Equestrian
Location: Highland Lakes
Attractions: LBJ Home, Longhorn Caverns, Falls Creek Winery
RETURN Course: Slick Rock, Ram Rock, Applerock
Distance: 6,839, Par: 72
Rating: 72.0, No. of holes: 54
Guest policy: Must be staying at resort or with member
Fees: **
Reservations: May be made 7 days in advance
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: No
All the superlatives associated glamour, amenities and service can be applied to this premier golf destination deep in the heart of Texas. Horseshoe Bay is situated among spring-fed streams, exotic gardens, miles of shoreline and coves on a lake where anglers search out perch and catfish, a fully equipped marina, and 4,000 acres of scenic overlooks and horseback trails. There is an airstrip, should your plans include private flight. The resort has meeting and group facilities and flaunts a magnificent two-tiered pool fed by a waterfall from granite outcrops. Dining can be elegant at The Captain's Table, with gold monogrammed matches, tableside flambeau and a French staff, or the casual touches of The Keel Way at the Yacht Club. The tennis gardens are composed of four covered courts and eight outdoor courts surrounded by lakes, waterfalls and lush gardens. Within the complex is a fitness program consisting of Body Shape- up classes and Aqua Aerobics, and two sport courts featuring sports rounding out the tennis program at Horseshoe Bay. The Equestrian Center, under the supervision of a riding master, offers boarding, trail rides and lessons. This is the spot to live out your golf fantasies on RETURN three Robert Trent Jones courses. The courses are well designed and maintained--enough so that the Texas State Open, the Texas State Amateur, the Texas State Mid-Amateur, and the Southern Texas PGA have opted to hold tournaments here. Think about the nane--Slick Rock--and you'll get a clue about the topography. Pampas bush is an unplayable lie, and arborists will delight at the specimens of persimmon, varnish trees, cork screw, chinese tallows and eldarica pines, as well as the outcroppings of colorful granite. The second nine is more open, with greens of Penncross bentgrass, and water coming into play on seven holes. The Ram Rock, built eight years later, plays through brooks, waterfalls and rock gardens, small greens, and much sand. Fairways are tight and you'll need some well-placed drives to stay out of the water, especially on #4. Many professionals rave about #11, which plays down a slope to a small green with water and a sand trap lurking to the left. The 150 yard par 3 12th plays across the lake to a green protected by bunkers in front and on both sides, oaks behind, and an old schoolhouse left intact.
GR-TX-11
Number of rooms:: 83
Rates: $
Services: Weekly Exercise, Supervised park for children, TV
Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: Garden Room
Bar: Garden Court
Business facilities: Audio-visual, Secretarial, Conference room capacity: 250
RETURN Sports facilities: Tennis, Pool, Sailing, Bike, Fish
Location: Lake Livingson
Attractions: Big Thicket Natl Forest, Sam Houston Museum, shops
Course: Waterwood National
Distance: 6,258, Par: 71
Rating: 69.7, No. of holes: 18
Guest policy: Play permitted to member of USGA course
Fees: *
Reservations: Make tee time with reservations
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: Yes
The General Manager's note reads--"Resort to the Best of Texas!" Located on Lake Livingston in the heart of East Texas hill country, Waterwood is a world of clean air, tall pines and plenty of recreation opportunities. Accommodations are in beautifully appointed guest rooms, including four suites with patios and balconies overlooking the golf course. There are also forest lodge rooms which are a bit more secluded. The Garden Room and its adjacent Garden Court Lounge set the pace for leisurely meals and entertainment. Lake Livingston, with a full service marine is just the spot for bass fishing, sailing or simply contemplating. Tennis players will have four lighted Laykold courts, and four swimming pools scattered about the resort await the serious lap-counters and sun- bathers. Bicycle through the pines or visit the Health Club with RETURN weight equipment, saunas and aerobics classes. An impressive selection of meeting rooms, banquet areas and services are available to the conference planner. Carved from the deep East Texas Piney Woods, the Pete Dye course abounds in long vistas of rolling, narrow tree-lined fairways, natural rough, deep bunkers and small well placed greens. This is the site of the PGA tour qualifying school in 1978, '79, and '81; the Women's Western Amateur in 1982, and the Women's Southern Amateur in 1984. Tall Texas tales recount #14, a par three that requires a 225 yard carry over water from championship tees to a small cliffside green. There's a sizeable practice and teaching area including driving range, putting greens and sand chipping area.
GR-TX-11A
Number of rooms:: 83
Rates: $
Services: Weekly Exercise, Supervised park for children, TV
Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: Garden Room
Bar: Garden Court
Business facilities: Audio-visual, Secretarial, Conference room capacity: 250
Sports facilities: Tennis, Pool, Sailing, Bike, Fish
Location: Lake Livingson
Attractions: Big Thicket Natl Forest, Sam Houston Museum, shops
RETURN Course: Waterwood National
Distance: 6,258, Par: 71
Rating: 69.7, No. of holes: 18
Guest policy: Play permitted to member of USGA course
Fees: *
Reservations: Make tee time with reservations
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: Yes
The General Manager's note reads--"Resort to the Best of Texas!" Located on Lake Livingston in the heart of East Texas hill country, Waterwood is a world of clean air, tall pines and plenty of recreation opportunities. Accommodations are in beautifully appointed guest rooms, including four suites with patios and balconies overlooking the golf course. There are also forest lodge rooms which are a bit more secluded. The Garden Room and its adjacent Garden Court Lounge set the pace for leisurely meals and entertainment. Lake Livingston, with a full service marine is just the spot for bass fishing, sailing or simply contemplating. Tennis players will have four lighted Laykold courts, and four swimming pools scattered about the resort await the serious lap-counters and sun- bathers. Bicycle through the pines or visit the Health Club with weight equipment, saunas and aerobics classes. An impressive selection of meeting rooms, banquet areas and services are available to the conference planner. Carved from the deep East Texas Piney Woods, the Pete Dye course abounds in long vistas of rolling, narrow tree-lined fairways, natural rough, deep bunkers and small well placed greens. This is the site of the RETURN PGA tour qualifying school in 1978, '79, and '81; the Women's Western Amateur in 1982, and the Women's Southern Amateur in 1984. Tall Texas tales recount #14, a par three that requires a 225 yard carry over water from championship tees to a small cliffside green. There's a sizeable practice and teaching area including driving range, putting greens and sand chipping area.
GR-TX-12
Number of rooms:: 83
Rates: $
Services: Weekly Exercise, Supervised park for children, TV
Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: Garden Room
Bar: Garden Court
Business facilities: Audio-visual, Secretarial, Conference room capacity: 250
Sports facilities: Tennis, Pool, Sailing, Bike, Fish
Location: Lake Livingson
Attractions: Big Thicket Natl Forest, Sam Houston Museum, shops
Course: Waterwood National
Distance: 6,258, Par: 71
Rating: 69.7, No. of holes: 18
RETURN Guest policy: Play permitted to member of USGA course
Fees: *
Reservations: Make tee time with reservations
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: Yes
The General Manager's note reads--"Resort to the Best of Texas!" Located on Lake Livingston in the heart of East Texas hill country, Waterwood is a world of clean air, tall pines and plenty of recreation opportunities. Accommodations are in beautifully appointed guest rooms, including four suites with patios and balconies overlooking the golf course. There are also forest lodge rooms which are a bit more secluded. The Garden Room and its adjacent Garden Court Lounge set the pace for leisurely meals and entertainment. Lake Livingston, with a full service marine is just the spot for bass fishing, sailing or simply contemplating. Tennis players will have four lighted Laykold courts, and four swimming pools scattered about the resort await the serious lap-counters and sun- bathers. Bicycle through the pines or visit the Health Club with weight equipment, saunas and aerobics classes. An impressive selection of meeting rooms, banquet areas and services are available to the conference planner. Carved from the deep East Texas Piney Woods, the Pete Dye course abounds in long vistas of rolling, narrow tree-lined fairways, natural rough, deep bunkers and small well placed greens. This is the site of the PGA tour qualifying school in 1978, '79, and '81; the Women's Western Amateur in 1982, and the Women's Southern Amateur in 1984. Tall Texas tales recount #14, a par three that requires a 225 yard carry over water from championship tees to a small cliffside green. There's a sizeable practice and teaching area including driving range, putting greens and sand RETURN chipping area.
GR-TX-13
Number of rooms: 315
Rates: $$
Distance: 6,397, Par: 70, Number of holes: 18
This stunning resort is a self-contained destination with everything from restaurants, swimming pools, tennis, and a spa. The Tournament Players Course, designed by Moorish, Nelson and Crenshaw, is available to resort guests. This is the site of the Byron Nelson Classic. Slope rating here is 128.
GR-TX-14
Number of rooms: 30
Rates: up to $100.00
Golf Course: Riverhill CC
Distance: 6,870, Par: 72, Number of holes: 18
Gus and Huldah Schreiner once made their home in this 3-story mansion. After nearly a century, "Cedar Crest" has been restored and re-opened as the Riverhill Country Club Clubhouse, the home of fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere and friendly conversation by fireside. Golfers come to test the carefully designed 18-hole course, while tennis buffs enjoy playing day and night. Comfortably furnished guest cottages will be your home for the stay.
GR-TX-15
RETURN Number of rooms:: 310
Rates: $
Services: Babysitter, Cable TV, Florist, Groceries, Safe deposit boxes., Room service
Restrictions: Pets limited, please ask.
Restaurant: Cafe Verde
Bar: Fiddler's
Business facilities: Complete business facilities, Conference room capacity: 1,000
Sports facilities: Tennis, Pool, Jogging, Boats, Bicycling
Location: On Lake Conroe
Attractions: Super sports competition, 3 local fairs
Course: Del Lago
Distance: 6,907, Par: 71
Rating: 70.9, No. of holes: 18
Guest policy: Guests have priority tee times
Fees: *
Reservations: May be made any time for hotel guests
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: Yes
RETURN This is a meeting planners dream come true. Covering more than 300 acres on Lake Conroe's edge 40 miles north of Texas, Del Lago provides complete conference facilities in a tranquil environment. You can survey it all from a one or two bedroom suite twenty-one stories above the lake. There's no lack of recreation. The spa and fitness center offers everything from a workout, tanning bed and massage therapist to work your body over, to racquetball and exercise classes. 13 hard surface tennis courts, and many other additional seasonal activities are available. Start with horseshoes and finish with swimming, a game of softball or volleyball. The marina offers a variety of party boats for private functions or you can sail solo. Lago Vista is a split-level restaurant overlooking the pool area, marina and lake, and scattered about are several other eateries, as well as a hearty Texas-style barbecue in the pool area in warm months. Del Lago has recently added 51 golf cottages and 13 lakefront villas available for rent. All units have two bedrooms and feature full kitchens, large living rooms with fireplace, washer- dryers, and private deck areas. There are local fairs, shopping the Texas Renaissance Festival, hunting, antiquing and historic home tours all nearby, and the local theater and symphony perform in a restored theater nearby. The championship course, built in concert with the local ecology intact, is a year-round haven. A product of Jay Riviere and Dave Marr, the course hosted the 1987 TPA tour event, Del Lago Classic. You may also remember the Palmer-Lopez vs. Player- Stephenson match here in November of 1984. Signature hole is #9, a 464 yard par 4 with narrow driving fairway. Sounds easy, but you'll need a long second shot over water to a long, narrow green. This is Texas, and everything's long. Hotel guests have priority tee times here amid eleven lakes, more than 80 sand traps, and those long fairways lined with pines and white oaks.
GR-TX-16
RETURN Number of rooms:: 200
Rates: $
Restaurant: Cafe on the Green
Bar: Cafe on Green
Business facilities: Audio-visual, Conference room capacity: 350
Sports facilities: Tennis, Marina
Location: Lake Conroe
Attractions: 70 foot luxury yacht, Houston--one hour
Course: Walden on Lake Conroe
Distance: 6,146, Par: 72, No. of holes: 18
Guest policy: Open to resort guests
Fees: *
Reservations: May be made one week in advance
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: Yes
Walden, on the blue waters of 22,000-acre Lake Conroe, is about an hour's drive north of Houston. The resort's seven contemporary complexes house one, two and three bedroom spacious, fully equipped condominiums which overlook the yacht harbor, lagoons, or wooded East Texas terrain. Dining options include the Commodore Dining Room at the Yacht RETURN Club, serving dinner and Sunday brunch, and the Cafe on the Green, open for breakfast, lunch and cocktails. Each condominium cluster has a swimming pool, and the tennis center has 16 Laykold courts, 10 of which are lighted. The resort offers a full service marine and ship's store for the casual boater, and the serious fisherman. Rental sail and power boats are available for water skiing or exploring Lake Conroe's coves, many of which border Sam Houston National Forest. Reflections III, Walden's 70-foot yacht, is available for charter cruises, receptions and informal gatherings. You'll find a convenience store, as well as a golf, and tennis Pro Shop carrying apparel and accessories. Conference facilities here include a variety of versatile meeting rooms totaling 14,000 square feet, and an Executive Conference Center for groups as large as 350. Golf is testing on a championship von Hagge and Devlin course that winds through Texas timberland where everything seems to be bigger than life. Number 11 is a monster where double-digit scores are common--a double dogleg par 5 that winds its way up to a peninsula bordered by Lake Conroe. You might want to try the driving range across from the clubhouse before tackling this part 72 course which has a slope rating of 126 from the middle tees.
GR-TX-17
Number of rooms: 176
Rates: $
Golf course: Tanglewood-on-Texoma
Distance: 6,946, Par: 72, Number of holes: 18
On the tree-covered hills, situated on the shore of beautiful Lake Texoma, Tanglewood on Texoma offers the perfect setting for that perfect vacation, business meeting or weekend getaway. Tanglewood also offers a world of recreational activities, RETURN fine cuisine in the Commodores Room, and cocktails in the Yacht Club or high atop our nine-story tower overlooking the Lake.
GR-TX-18
Number of rooms:: 268
Rates: $$$
Services: Valet, Library, Barber/beauty shop, Parking, Car hire, House doctor, Babysitting, Card/game area, Laundry
Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: Woodlands Dining Room
Bar: Lobby Bar
Business facilities: Secretarial service, Audio-visual, Conference room capacity: 1,000
Sports facilities: Tennis, Pools, Health Club, Ice skating
Location: Montgomery County
Attractions: NSA, various Houston sporting activities, Astro Dome
Course: TPC Woodlands, North Course
Distance: 6,387, Par: 72, No. of holes: 54
Guest policy: Open to public, call for availability
Fees: *
Reservations: Resort guests have priority
RETURN Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: Yes, Caddies: Yes
Think of Houston, and Philip Johnson's Pennzoil Towers, the Astros and Oilers in the Astrodome, the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, and the showplaces on River Oaks Boulevard. Think golf, and The Woodlands Inn, sitting on 25,000 acres of oak and pine forests 14 miles from the airport, an oasis of comfortable style. The main building and 14 guest lodges are rough cedar two-story units clustered among mature Texas pines. Designed expressly as a conference center, features include over 40,000 square feet of meeting space, a ballroom, and 20 conference rooms with state-of- the-art communication and presentation equipment. Everything is here to promote a sense of fitness, productivity and pleasure. Among the choices are two restaurants, bar, a fully equipped men's and women's health spa, 6 swimming pools, game room, or skating at the nearby ice rink. For in-depth tennis instruction and tournament play, you may want to attend a Peter Burwash International "Tennis for Life" weekend. A unique open design in the recreation center combines lobby and game room with a view of 3 indoor courts, and four additional courts plus 17 outdoor courts offer a combination of hard court and clay. Right in the center, and meandering through the development is Lake Harrison, home to ducks, lily pads and many Titleists. Hikers and bikers have over 30 miles of trails, and shoppers can pursue the wares at The Wharf, a retail emporium adjacent to the Inn. The highlight of the resort is the championship Tournament Players Course, one of eight currently used in the United States, and open to the public. Home of the Lee Trevino State Open, and the Annual Insurance Agents Houston Open, this is the course with the much- photographed #13 surrounded by water. You'll see permanent built- in seating in stadium-like mounds on #18--all the better to watch the pros strut and putt. Ask Hale Irwin, RETURN Curtis Strange, or Greg Norman how they played #17--its a stickler with a lake guarding the green. North Course is open for Inn guests.
golfILLINOIS
GR-IL-1
Number of rooms:: 280
Rates: $$
Services: Children's program, Game room
Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: Woodlands, Shooters, Pro Shops Bar & Grill
Bar: Woodlands, Shooters
Business facilities: Audio-visual, Conference room capacity: 200
Sports facilities: Tennis, Fitness Center, Volleyball, Swimming
Attractions: Historic tour, Mississippi river boat, winery tour
Course: Eagle Ridge - North, South, East
Distance: 6,401, Par: 72
Rating: 70.9, No. of holes: 45
Guest policy: Call for availability
Fees: **
RETURN Reservations: 7 days in advance for the public.
Season: April--November
Guest carry clubs: No
Looking for a conference center or family vacation spot a couple of hours from Chicago? Hoping for a quiet rustic retreat coupled with tennis, a lake for fishing and sailing, and two championship golf courses? Search no more. Check out Eagle Ridge Inn & Resort, perched on a bluff above a lake surrounded by rolling hills and valleys, an easy 2 hour drive from the Quad cities through bucolic Illinois farmland and towns. Lodgings range from Inn rooms to 1, 2, and 3 bedroom resort homes scattered among the fairways and tree-covered hills, or townhouses. This is a year-round resort with a range of activities including hay rides nature walks, boating, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing when the time comes. During summer, a children's program offers swimming, arts and crafts, paddleboat rides, and special field trips. You'll find a fine restaurant, a couple of fitness trails, and an indoor pool with sauna and whirlpool in addition to a fitness center. Galena, a historic lead-mining town, and once home to U.S. Grant, gives you a glimpse of midwest Americana in the 19th century. Visit Victorian mansions, cruise the Mississippi on an old fashioned paddlewheeler, tour a winery, or enjoy a performance at Timber Lake Playhouse. Golf is two hilly courses with plenty of water, wildlife and isolation. This is no-hassle golf with long wooded fairways, plenty of sand, and courses in top-notch condition. South Course, newer of the two, is an award winner. An innocent meandering stream and thick groves of trees have prompted a time limit of 5 minutes to search for lost balls. Both courses are par 72, with two full service pro shops, full-time professionals, and a large practice fairway and green. The youth program is offered for ages 3 to 12, and has full- and half-day programs. There is also a Kids Night RETURN Klub with a fully equipped playroom, movies, crafts and even sleeping mats. The teens also have group games such as volleyball, boating and horseback riding on site, and Alpine slider outings, movies and bowling off site. The Youth Program is $17 for half day and $25 for full day.
GR-IL-2
Number of rooms: 220
Rates: $$
Golf course: Nordic Hills
Distance: 5,897, Par: 71, Number of holes: 18
Just a short drive from Chicago, the twin towers of Nordic Hills make for a perfect getaway or a grand conference location. Spacious and elegantly furnished rooms overlook the lush countryside of Itasca. Golf, play tennis, or bowl all day--Nordic Hills has the facilities. Try distinctive entrees at Scandinavian Room, or grill your own steak at the Vulcan's Forge. Two lounges, sports center, and six suites. Golf course has many mature oaks.
GR-IL-3
Rates: $$
Golf course: Lincolnshire
Distance: 6,313, Par: 70, Number of holes: 18
Situated on 170 wooded acres in Chicago's North Shore suburbs, Marriott's Lincolnshire Resort offers impeccable facilities for successful conferences and relaxing vacations. With a total of 21 meeting rooms and a spectacular Grand Ballroom, RETURN groups of any size will be comfortably accommodated. Vacationers will be equally pleased with outstanding sports complexes, from the indoor Racquet Club and an 18-hole golf course to 2 pools & health club.
Kid's Crew activities include Crafts, Cokie Decorating, Bingo, Contests, Storytime. Meals are served during the sessions. The fee is included in many packages for up to two children, each additional child is $10 per session.
GR-IL-3A
Number of rooms: 475
Rates: $$
Golf course: Pheasant Run
Distance: 6,315, Par: 71, Number of holes: 18
Pheasant Run sits on 250 acres in the Fox River Valley. Separate
conference center, megacenter for trade shows, restaurants, and
all the amenities of a premier resort. Good outlet shopping nearby.
We have an 18-hole championship course with a staff of PGA pros
to help you, plus a driving range, putting greens and some great
weekend golf packages.
GR-GA-1
Number of rooms:: 250
Rates: $$
Services: Valet, Library, Parking, Car hire, Complimentary shoeshine, House doctor, Babysitting, Card or other game area, RETURN Laundry, Room service
Restaurant: The Gazebo
Bar: Champions Lounge
Business facilities: Secretarial, Telex, Conference room capacity: 500
Sports facilities: Pool, Tennis, Handball, Sailing, Riding, Exercise room, Whirlpool
Location: Lake Lanier Islands
Attractions: Horseback riding, twin-flume water slides, beach
Course: Pineisle Course
Distance: 6,003, Par: 72
Rating: 69.8, No. of holes: 18
Guest policy: Call for availability
Fees: **
Reservations: The earlier the better
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: No
Just south of the Chattahoochee National Forest in northwestern Georgia resides Stouffer PineIsle Resort on sparkling Lake Lanier. This contemporary five story design is perched in a lush pine forest surrounded by this stunning recreational area. The lakeside setting provides a special opportunity for guests, particularly families, to indulge in just about any RETURN recreational whim. You'll find the food at PineIsle lives up to Stouffer's reputation. The Pavilion charms you with seafood and continental favorites while you enjoy Lake Lanier's views. For an informal setting, The Gazebo offers tempting selections ranging from salads to heartier fare. The Clubhouse Restaurant is the spot for a cold beer and a mile-high sandwich after a round of golf or tennis. Kids will want to head for the great hamburgers and cookouts at the scenic Marina Grill. You'll welcome the famed Southern hospitality, and PineIsle knows how to serve it. If you're an avid fisherman, or have fantasized about Striped Bass, the creeks, quiet coves and inlets of the deep clear lake are waiting for you. Sailboats, dinghies, motor boats, you name it--they're all available at an excellent marina. Don't overlook water skiing, hiking, tennis, horseback riding, and the twin-flume water slides. An unbeatable white sand beach for unlimited castle-building and a special Kids Krew program ensure that children will have the time of their lives. Listed as one of Georgia's Top Ten, this 12 year old scenic, tough course annually hosts the Nestle World Championship of Women's Golf, a tournament that pays the highest first place money on the LPGA. Gary Player and Ron Kirby and Associates designed the course, which is very tight, with eight holes calling for drives across sections of the lake. Hilly, rolling and pine-scented, with elevated tees and views of the lake and the Blue Ridge Mountains, the course is 6,003 yards from the white tees. #5 is similar in design to Pebble Beach's 18th--a long drive over water, and the second shot is anywhere from a 160-250 yard shot with an inlet guarding the front part of the green. What's guarding the rest of it is more of lovely Lake Lanier.
GR-GA-2
Number of rooms:: 800
Rates: $
RETURN Services: Beauty shop, Garage and parking, Car hire, Babysitting, Laundry, FOTO, Room service
Restaurant: The Georgia Room
Bar: The Patio Bar
Business facilities: Secretarial, Telex, Conference room capacity: 900
Sports facilities: Pool, Tennis, Water skiing, Sailing, Fitness center
Location: Harris County
Attractions: Masters Water Ski Tournament, Azalea Festival
Course: Mountain View, Lake View, Mountain View
Distance: 6,605, Par: 72
Rating: 71.4, No. of holes: 63
Guest policy: Call for availability
Fees: **
Reservations: Guest at resort play anytime
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: Yes
This is the spot for you if wildflowers, flamboyant greenhouse displays, a 175-acre fishing lake, quail hunting on a 1,000 acre preserve, and skeet and trap shooting appeal to you. Add sixty- three holes of golf, horseback riding, tennis, racquetball, and a smorgasbord of lakeside activities for all ages, three swimming pools, a choice of good restaurants, a RETURN variety of accommodations, and you have the ingredients for a memorable vacation in a horticultural paradise about seventy miles southeast of Atlanta. Pine Mountain is home of the famed Callaway Gardens, where hundreds of acres of gardens and woodlands bloom all year. Pathways weave through splashes of magnolias, azaleas, camellias, gardenias, rhododendrons, hollies, and special gardens cultivated with an array of indigenous trees and plants. Spring is awesome here, but each season brings its own pleasures. A few items from the resort's calendar show water ski team exhibits, outdoor concerts, the Chet Atkins Country Gentlemen Golf Tournament, a Triathlon, a steeplechase, Beaujolais festival, traditional Thanksgiving feast, an antiques show, a "Country Christmas," and a festive New Year's Eve Dinner Dance. Energy conservationists will want to check out the new 5-acre multi-million dollar John A. Sibley Horticultural Center, where collections of exotic plants blend into a climate-controlled setting to create a marriage of rich floral specimens and a two- story waterfall. The names of the four golf courses are easy enough to remember: Mountain View, Garden View, Lake View, and Sky View, an easy-going 9 hole executive course. Mountain View is the Grand Daddy, with five National PGA Club championships, 2 Junior PGA tournaments, add 8 Celebrity Tournaments under its belt. The course rating is 71.4, giving one an idea of its difficulty, but no rating can be given the sheer beauty of fairways and wooded glens ablaze with magenta, roses and salmons of azaleas and rhododendrons in bloom. Gardens View course features bent grass year round on tees, fairways and greens. Lakes and streams characterize Lake View course, a par 70, 6,009 yard test where #5 is tricky. It's a short par 3 over a lake, but entrance to the green is blocked by bunkers, and the green.
GR-GA-3
Number of rooms:: 202
RETURN Rates: $
Services: Valet, Babysitting, Card or other game area, Laundry, Room service
Restrictions: Pets limited, please ask.
Restaurant: HP's Dockside
Bar: HP's Lounge
Business facilities: Copiers, Audio-visual, Conference room capacity: 1,000
Sports facilities: Pool, Tennis, Health Club, Sailing
Location: Wilmington Island
Attractions: Savannah Science Museum, Great Savannah Exposition
Course: Sheraton Savannah Resort
Distance: 7,000, Par: 72
Rating: 72.0, No. of holes: 18
Guest policy: Call for availability
Fees: *
Reservations: May be made with hotel reservations
Season: Year round
Guest carry clubs: No
Welcome to Wilmington Island, minutes away from the largest national historic landmark district in the country. This RETURN island retreat, surrounded by the slow-paced charm of the Old South, offers acres of lush scenic trails and unspoiled beaches, truly a resort for all seasons. Now slightly over half a century old, this graceful lady has witnessed the 1929 market crash, the Great Depression, the jubilant days following World War II, and many owners. Now in the good hands of Sheraton, the traditional Spanish Mediterranean architecture preserved, the resort is home of such tournaments as the Georgia Open, U.S. Ladies Open, and several others. The dining is an attraction in itself. Elegant dinners featuring regional specialties are to be enjoyed. Savor shrimp, roasted oysters and lobster, served in delightful surroundings, and experience the impeccable service coupled with Southern hospitality. This 200 acre paradise overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway offers a heated outdoor pool, five tennis courts, a Nautilus- equipped health club as well as a sauna and aerobics workouts. Sailing and deep sea fishing can be arranged through the recreation director, who maintains a strong staff eager to keep you and your family happy and active. The Savannah environs provide a history buff's smorgasbord. Fine Regency-style mansions, vibrant azalea gardens and Civil War forts re-acquaint you with the glorious past of this gracious Southern city. Casual waterfront pubs, the Savannah Science museum and The Great Savannah Exposition are all within a stone's throw of the resort. The golf course was originally designed by Donald Ross in 1927, and completely rebuilt and improved in 1966 by Willard Byrd. The 18 hole championship course stretches 7,000 yards with a winding stream, four lakes, and oaks draped in Spanish moss adding to its beauty. Contoured fairways and raised undulating greens planted in Tifton bermudagrass are enhanced by strategic placement of 81 bunkers and 10 water holes.
GR-GA-4
Number of rooms:: 263
RETURN Rates: $$$ (Full American Plan)
Services: Valet, Barber shop, Beauty shop, Hair salon, Garage and parking, Car hire, Babysitting, Card or other game area, Laundry, Room service
Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: The Cloister
Bar: 4 bars
Business facilities: Business center, Computer rental, Secretarial, Audio-Visual, Conference room capacity: 450
Sports facilities: Two pools, Tennis, Croquet, Skeet & Trap, Full service spa, Riding stables, Children's programs, Golf Learning Center
Location: On Atlantic Ocean
Attractions: Historic Retreat Plantation, Artists Colony, shops, historic tours and lectures, Fort Frederica
Course: Seaside Nine
Distance: 3,185, Par: 36
Rating: 35.9, No. of holes: 54
Guest policy: Call for availability
Fees: **
Reservations: Day in advance, some season longer
Season: Year round
RETURN Guest carry clubs: No, Caddies
A massive fireplace and a grand piano set in a romantic Spanish- style lounge with chandeliered high ceiling and stained glass windows will greet your arrival at this exclusive island resort. Opened in 1928, The Cloister has maintained its historic charm of years gone by while providing all the modern amenities that guests appreciate. Southern tradition is nowhere better expressed than in the food served here. An exciting Friday night treat is the plantation supper, lighted by torches and bonfire. Savor steaming clam chowder, hush puppies and picnic favorites Cloister style, to the music of the Sea Island singers. Or, experience the expertise of chef Franz Buck in the luxury of a plush carpeted dining room overlooking gardens. You can work off the dessert with an invigorating swim at the Sea Island Beach Club and Spa, or take advantage of the resort's 18 tennis courts. For a more relaxing sport, take a leisurely horseback ride on the beach and trails, or go boating the broad waterways beside River House. Splashy azaleas, a quaint covered bridge, lagoons guarding tight fairways, sharply elevated greens, gargantuan deep bunkers, unpredictable ocean breezes, holes hemmed by marshes, an insouciant pelican gazing at your grip. These are The Cloister's 54 holes of legendary golf, which include four nines by four different architects at the Sea Island Golf Club, and an additional 18 at adjacent St. Simons Island Club. Seaside Nine, opened in 1929, plays like the legend it is. #7, at 414 yards requires a powerful carry from the tee across 200 yards of tidal creek and marshes, then a tremendous bunker blocks a shorter drive to require a dogleg. Add a stiff Atlantic prevailing wind, and any birdie here will most likely be in the bush. Plantation Nine is characterized by sweeping fairways and the lagoon that lurks around four holes. Dick Wilson designed Retreat Nine in 1960, emphasizing huge lakes and the Atlantic itself which borders fairways. Marshside Nine was created to be wholly different, yet happily complementing the other Sea Island RETURN nines. The name tells you a lot about the layout. Here's hoping you learn about the marsh wrack and ghost crabs from the "Field Guide to Sea Island" instead of figuring out how to play out of it. During the Cloister's Family Festival (June 12-September 4), children's meals, golf, tennis and many special activities are included without charge. Due to the popularity of the children's program, reservations one day in advance are required. Jeep train tours, turtle nest patrols, spa program for teens, bicycle explorations with picnic lunches and much more are standard fare.
GR-GA-5
Rates: $
Golf course: The Hampton Club
Distance: 6,465, Par: 72, Number of holes: 18
Once the site of battles and victories, the home of poets and rogues, St. Simons is now the location of a landmark hotel where old-fashioned charm is combined with modern comforts. The Spanish Colonial decor is a theme throughout the resort. You'll catch glimpses of Tiffany glass and antique furniture in every corner, from your room to the Delegal Dining Room, named after the most colorful defender of St. Simons Island.
GR-GA-6
Rates: $175.00 and up
Golf Course: Great Oaks
Distance: 6,700, Par: 72, Number of holes: 27
A destination of the rich and famous, this fabulous island resort will pamper you with luxuries and comfort. An array of RETURN villas and condominiums will be your home for the week. Stroll or bike across the island to discover its many historical sites. Or, stay "home" and take advantage of the Health & Racquet Club. Don't forget the 27 holes of championship golfing, including Great Oaks, ranked among the state's top 10 courses.
GR-NY-1 Thousand Islands
Number of rooms: 115
Rates: up to $100.00
Golf Course: Thousand Islands
Number of holes: 18
Nearly 90 years ago, George C. Boldt began building a luxury resort on his extensive farm holdings. Today, Thousand Islands Club occupies over 400 acres of Wellesley Island and boat tours to the unfinished 300-room Boldt Castle on Hart Island is among the most popular tourist stops in the area. Activities abound with an 18-hole USGA golf course, tennis courts, and a deep water dock for 100 boats.
GR-NY-2 Chautauqua
Number of rooms: 164
Rates: $$$
Golf course: Chautauqua Golf Club
No. of holes: 27
RETURN Tucked away in the southwestern corner of New York State is this "Grand Dame." Set at the lake's edge in the heart of world famous Chautauqua Institution, you'll have privileges to endless sources of entertainment and recreation. From the symphony and theater to boating and golf, Athenaeum Hotel puts you only steps away from it all.
GR-NY-3 Callicoon
Number of rooms: 221
Rates: $
Golf course: Villa Roma
Distance: 6,350, Par: 71, Number of holes: 18
Nestled in the beautiful Catskill Mountains is an all season resort with luxury accommodations, gourmet delights, all-star entertainment, and a wealth of sports activities. Choose from an 18-hole PGA championship course, 3 outdoor pools, and all-weather tennis courts. Or, opt for softball, bocce, canoeing, horseback riding, and trout fishing. And for the antique collector, nearby shops offer a day of adventure.
GR-NY-4 Clymer
Number of rooms: 164
Rates: $
Golf course: Peek'n Peak
Distance: 6,260, Par: 72, Number of holes: 18
Old World artistry blended with contemporary style is the look of Peek'n Peak Resort. With 109 rooms in the hotel and 51 RETURN condominiums we offer a variety of unique accommodations. Facilities include indoor pool, whirlpool, saunas, tennis, and our new fitness center. Also available are bicycle rentals and hiking trails. Dining facilities include our Royal Court Dining Room, Friar Tuck Garden Shop, Regency Pub, Tavern-on-the-Tee.
GR-NY-5 Cooperstown
Number of rooms:: 138
Rates: $$$
Services: Babysitting, Rates include breakfast and dinner, Room service
Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: Main Dining Room, The Hawkeye Grill, Lakeside patio
Bar: Templeton Lounge, Colonnade Verandah
Business facilities: Full conference facilities, Conference room capacity: 250
Sports facilities: 2 Tennis courts, Outdoor heated pool, Lake swimming from dock, Game room, Putting green
Location: Downtown
Attractions: Baseball Hall of Fame, Farmer's Museum, Fenimore House, Glimmerglass Opera, Lake Otsego Boat Tour
Course: Leatherstocking
Distance: 6,053, Par 72
Rating: 71.0, No. of holes: 18
Fees: *
RETURN Reservations: As early as desired
Season: April--October
Guest carry clubs: Yes (M-F)
Cga Hotel. This included a stately wood-columned portico as the hotel's signature detail. Overlooking Lake Otsego -- a pristine, deep water lake immortalized as the "Glimmerglass" in James Fenimore Cooper's Leatherstocking Tales -- the hotel opened its doors in 1909. Since 1909, The Otesaga has offered distinguished service, dining and amenities to avid golfers and vacationers from around the world. The hotel retains the charm and elegance of Colonial yesteryear. Much of the today's interior finishes and artwork are original. Besides golf, guests can also enjoy tennis, pool or lake swimming, sailing, canoeing, and deep fresh water fishing on Lake Otesaga. There are also many historical sites nearby, and a short walk or trolley ride will bring you to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, The Farmer's Museum, and Fenimore House Museum of the NY State historical Association. Rates include breakfast and dinner in either the Main Dining Room or The Hawkeye Bar & Grill. Both eateries features speommissioned by the Clark family, designer Percy Griffin chose a Neo-Georgian design for The Otesacialties of New York State and Otsego county. During the summer, a popular lunch spot is the Lakeside patio, where a sumptuous noon buffet is served. In the evening, the Templeton Lounge offers spirits and nightly music. The Otesaga offers one of the most scenic and challenging courses of the Northeast. The 6,324-yard 72-par course has a rating of 71.0 and slope of 124.
GR-NY-7 Ellenville
RETURN Number of rooms: 250
Rates: $
Golf course: Fallsview
Distance: 3,410, Par: 35, Number of holes: 9
City chic meets country charm at the Fallsview, where a forest of lush greenery surrounds you outdoors and a rich feel of luxury warms you indoors. Wake up in your unusually spacious room and prepare yourself for a great day ahead. Golf on the 9-hole Robert Trent Jones-designed course,or play tennis and racquetball at the indoor complexes.
GR-NY-8 Ellenville
Number of rooms:: 450
Rates: Call
Services: Supervised Day Camp, Cable TV, Luxury towels, Babysitting, Large bathrooms, Room service
Restrictions: Pets limited
Restaurant: Homestead-Steak & Seafood
Bar: Safari Lounge
Business facilities: Audio-visual, Copiers, Conference room capacity: 1,400
Sports facilities: Tennis, Pools, Sailing, Bike, Ice skating, Riding, Health club
Location: Upstate NY-Catskills
Attractions: Upscale shops at Woodbury Commons, Catskills Mountains
RETURN Course: The Nevele Country Club
Distance: 6500, Par: 70
Rating: 69.4, No. of holes: 18
Guest policy: Call for availability
Fees: *
Reservations: May be made up to 2 weeks in advance
Season: Mid May--Mid October
Ellenville is easily accessible from The Big Apple, the western part of the state and the Philadelphia area. If you're looking for a conference or getaway site in the Catskills, consider a thousand acre resort with a full American plan and Jewish-American cuisine, elegant public areas, nice guest rooms and good recreational facilities. This is a fairly large resort -- 435 rooms and such amenities as tennis, an Olympic-size outdoor pool, an indoor pool, health clubs, horseback riding, an indoor game room, boating on the lake, fishing, bicycle riding, and racquetball. The main dining room offers special diets as well as an attractive menu featuring seafood and a large variety of home-baked items. A coffee shop, snackquabana at the outdoor pool, loft cafe, safari lounge, aquabar, espresso bar, and stardust room for nightly entertainment round out the picture of restaurants and watering holes. Children of all ages are pampered here. A day-camp program that runs from breakfast to bedtime stimulates and occupies them, freeing parents to pursue their own diversions. Women love the upscale shopping at the outlet malls nearby. You'll have a pleasant course to play, one that hosts regional amateur tournaments. Look for rolling terrain with a lake and creek running throughout. Tom Fazio redesigned the layout recently, so if your RETURN grandfather always birdied the 16th hole, don't count on it running in the family. The lake surrounds the fairway and three sides of the tricky green.
GR-NY-9 Highlang
Number of rooms: 120
Rates: $$
Golf course: New Paltz (10 minutes away)
Par: 36, Number of holes: 9
You'll find good old fashioned hospitality at this popular ranch-resort, just 2 hours north of New York City. Join a bonfire sing-along with practiced wranglers in the rugged outdoors, then retreat to the modern comforts found in your cozy room. Choose from 100-plus horses at the ranch stable and ride through 500 acres of mountain and orchard surrounding the lake. Sports activities abound here, including golf at 3 courses nearby.
GR-NY-10 Kerhonkson
Number of rooms: 334
Rates: $
Golf course: Granit
Par: 70, Number of holes: 18
Whether you're treating yourself to a quiet weekend alone or planning a fabulous party, the Granit has what you need. Enjoy leisurely walks through the surrounding mountains and woodlands, challenge yourself to a round of golf on the 18-RETURN hole course, then sink into a relaxing sauna. If it's group activities and meeting new people that you prefer, organized sing-alongs, dance classes, and more let you do just that.
GR-NY-11 Kiamesha Lake
Number of rooms:: 1225
Rates: On Request
Services: Supervised children's dining, Early riser coffee, Special diets, Room service
Restrictions: No pets
Restaurant: Main Dining Room
Bar: Curtain Bar
Business facilities: Audio-Visual, Conference room capacity: 3,000
Sports facilities: Tennis, Health Club, Pools, Ski, Skate
Location: Catskill Mountains
Attractions: Many free sporting activities, Boating & Fishing col. 2
Course: Championship, International, "Challenger" 9
Distance: 7,205, Par: 72
Rating: 76.0, No. of holes: 45
Guest policy: Call for availability
Fees: **
RETURN Reservations: May be made 7 months in advance
Season: April-October
Guest carry clubs: No
Set amid 3,000 acres, less than a two hour drive from New York City, the Concord's vacation or conference choices are wide and varied
GR-NY-13 Bolton Landing
Number of rooms:: 350
Rates: $
Services: Concierge, Shoeshine, Valet parking, Games room, Laundry, Hair salon, Supervised children's program, Complimentary island transportation, Room service
Restaurant: Trillium, Sagamore Dining Room, Mister Brown's, Club Grill, Pool Terrace, The Morgan
Bar: The Club Grille
Business facilities: Fax, Conference room capacity: 780
Sports facilities: Tennis, Pool, Full Health Spa, Fishing, Sailing, Cross country skiing, Ice skating, Ice fishing, Sledding
Location: Lake George
Attractions: Lake George, Fort William Henry, Gore Mountain.
Course: Sagamore Resort
Distance: 6,706, Par: 70
RETURN Rating: 72.9, No. of holes: 18
Guest policy: Hotel guests & members have priority
Fees: **
Reservations: May be made with hotel reservations
Season: May--October
Guest carry clubs: No
GR-NY-14 Route 79
Number of rooms: 95
Rates: $101.00-$175.00
Golf Course: Loon Lake
Distance: 5,400, Par: 70, Number of holes: 18
Located in the northern half of the Adirondack Mountains is Loon Lake Country Club, where fresh air, spectacular mountain vistas, and a sparkling lake are all part of the package. Spend 2 days in this relaxed environment enjoying golf or playing in the lake and you'll want to stay forever. One-of-a-kind treasures like a 100-year- old boathouse with a cathedral ceiling living room and 3 bedroom homes set in private pine groves dot the area.
GR-NY-15 New Paltz
Number of rooms: 275
Rates: On request
RETURN Golf course: Mountain Resort GC
Par: 35, Number of holes: 9
At the edge of Mohonk Lake is a sprawling Victorian castle, the last of the grand 19th-century mountain resorts. Recently named a National Historic Landmark, great care is taken to maintain the charm of the past here-- classical concerts, prayer services, and afternoon tea are always offered, and the only televisions are in public rooms. The 22,000 acres of untainted natural preserve will give children all the playing space they need.
GR-NY-16 Saratoga Springs
Number of rooms: 132
Rates: $$
Golf course: Saratoga Spa Golf Course
Distance: 6,400, Par: 72, Number of holes: 27
Spend your next vacation at The Gideon Putnam and you won't be disappointed. Your days will be filled with fabulous activities, from superb golfing on 27 holes at the adjacent course and pampering spa treatments at the Roosevelt Bathhouse, to concerts and ballets at the Performing Arts Center next door. Enjoy candlelight dining on cuisine prepared under the direction of Executive Chef Otto Korner.
GR-NY-17 South Fallsburg
Number of rooms: 436
Rates: $$
RETURN Golf course: Pines Hotel Golf Course
Distance: 2,300, Par: 32, Number of holes: 9
Reward yourself, and your whole family with a visit to The Pines. Children have fun under superbly supervised programs tailored to their age groups. And you'll finally have a chance to enjoy some time to yourself, whether it's on the golf course and tennis courts, or just relaxing with a book and basking in the sun by the pool. A great dinner and nightly entertainment will be just the things to top off a fantastic day.
GR-NY-18 Spring Glen
Number of rooms: 335
Rates: $
Golf course: Homowack
Distance: 3,000, Number of holes: 9
Treat your family to a week at Homowack, the world's largest Sabbath observing hotel. Accommodations are elegantly furnished, with plush wall- to-wall carpeting. Every meal is sumptuous, prepared by a chef practiced in creating the finest Glatt Kosher cuisine. And the fun never stops--for your or your children--at the indoor/outdoor sports complex that includes everything from indoor ice skating to golf on a 9-hole course.
GR-NY-19
Number of rooms: 55
Rates: up to $100.00
RETURN Golf Course: Swan Lake Golf Course
Distance: 6,800, Par: 71, Number of holes: 18
A world of excitement awaits your visit at Stevensville Country Club. The fresh mountain air will give you the energy to attack the spectacular 18- hole golf course. Go fishing on the lake or treat yourself to a day at the Health Club. When night falls, enjoy a show in the Starlight Room. A daycamp and teen program will keep the children occupied while you enjoy.
