Girls Golf Getaways
These golf vacations are designed with the girls in mind.
But what if you want to leave the hubby (and the stroller) at home and have some girls-only time on the greens, followed by a hot-stone massage and a hot night on the town? Unfortunately, search the web for “girls golf vacations” and you’ll mostly find special … “caddying” services for the guys. So here we’ve compiled some of the best destinations for ladies who love the links — as well as shopping, dining, spas and wine tastings.
1. Tampa: Babes in Golfland
Innisbrook Golf Resort
Innisbrook Golf Resort’s renowned Copperhead and Island courses are as challenging as they are lovely, lush with cypresses, small lakes and native birds. Enjoy them with the “Innisbrook Your Way Golf & Spa Package,” including a luxury room, massage and pro-shop gift certificate. Or hone your swing at Saddlebrook Resort’s Arnold Palmer Golf Academy or the Women’s Executive Golf School’s classes at Emerald Greens.
2. Praising Arizona
The Boulders, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
It also includes 200-plus golf courses, one of which that gives females special fanfare. The Boulders retreat sits amid eons-old rock formations, wildlife and stunning vistas. The “Fore Ladies” program takes you from putting green to pinot grigio. Savor the Golden Door Spa or tai chi and Pilates classes, followed by afternoon tea at English Rose Tea Room.
Also, the Elite Women’s Golf School offers getaways at the Scottsdale AAA Five-Diamond Fairmont resort, where school director Eva Scott will tailor classes for any level.
3. Lowcountry Ladies
Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Myrtle Beach also hosts some top golf schools. Take classes from 1 hour to full-day play at Classic Swing Golf School at Legends. The Ritson-Sole Academy at Grande Dunes is legendary. Afterward, relax at Broadway at the Beach -- 350 acres of shopping, restaurants, and nightclubs such as the House of Blues.
4. Keep Austin (and its Golf) Weird
Barton Creek Resort & Spa
Or stay downtown at the Driskill Hotel, built by cattleman Jesse Driskill in 1886 under the furnishing philosophy of no cow left behind. Take on Chuy’s “Big as Yo Face” burrito, 2-step through 6th Street’s bars and dance halls, or take in a comedy/magic show at Esther’s Follies. October is the annual Austin City Limits Music Festival, and March is the famous Congress Bridge migration of Austin’s beloved bats. Weird? Yes. Wonderful? Absolutely.
5. California Girls
Half Moon Bay Golf Links
Just 40 minutes from San Francisco, along stunning Pacific cliffs, are the Half Moon Bay Golf Links and adjacent Ritz-Carlton. The Ocean Course’s famous par-4 18th hole offers end-to-end sea views. In between, catch up on gossip with Bay City landmarks, beach horseback riding, whale watching, and fennel-crusted sole at the Ritz’s oceanfront eatery Navio, followed by drinks under the stars at the patio fire pits.
In nearby Napa, the Bird Golf School offers ladies-only lessons at Hiddenbrooke Golf Club from instructors like 1963 U.S. Open champion Mary Mills. Students enjoy Meritage Resort’s vineyards and Spa Terra, set in an underground cave.
In Southern California, find Bird Golf Schools for Women in Santa Barbara, San Diego, and Palm Springs -- home also to La Quinta Resort’s Pete Dye-designed courses, nestled along the Santa Rosa Mountains. The compact Mountain Course challenges but gratifies female players. Try a “Hydrafacial” at Spa La Quinta and sample Mexican fare at Adobe. Pets are welcome, and teachers in your group save with “Relax and Recess” rates.
Ojai Resort, 90 minutes from Los Angeles shopping options features idyllic golf, Spanish Colonial design and Spa Ojai, 30,000 square feet of treatments from mediation to mud cleansing. Blend your own herbal creams at Artist’s Cottage & Apothecary, and pair brick-oven pizza with California wines at Jimmy’s Pub.
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