Golf Exclusives E-Newsletter - October 1, 2003

Editors Note
This newsletter too, is a little tardy. I apologize to the readers that have been asking about the Newsletter, but it is World Series time in Chicago !! Beside having a serious case of writers block, I have been spending a lot of time on the golf course, and in front of the TV watching the Cubs move toward the World Series for the first time since 1908 !! How are those for reasons…excuses. Today it is raining, so writing is a lot easier.

Welcome to the Golf Exclusives Hole In One Club
All of us love to get a hole in one, and when we do to brag about it to our friends, relatives and fellow golfers. With that in mind we created a club, so you can publicize your skill(luck) and also get a reward.

Only one new addition to the club this quarter. He is Tom VanHall. Tom got his ace at The Monument at Boyne Mountain in northern Michigan. He is from a family that loves golf, and there are 7 aces in a family of 5 children and Mom and Dad. They should contact Guinness for beer, or to get listed in the record book. Tom's sister is my wife and partner, Betty, that was featured in our last edition. Congratulations Tom !.

If you or another member of your group has a hole in one, send us the information. It will be included in the next issue of our Newsletter. The golfer will receive a $25 Gift Certificate from Golf Exclusives, good for future golf travel with us.

The Catalog is Coming
The 2003-2004 catalog is coming soon. It will give us new pricing and options to make your trip better. And.. there will be new Golf Exclusives featured destinations like Kiawah Island If you want a catalog so you can shop for your next golf trip, send me an email at mike@golfexclusives.com, and I will get a copy out to you.

On The Road Again ( Part 1 of 2)
Well not quite yet. The partners of Golf Exclusives are planning our first ever golf trip to Ireland in 2004. I have been there for travel, but never to golf. This article answers some of the questions we have been asking, as we plan our trip. Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) about golf in Ireland

Q: When is the best time to golf in Ireland?

A: The answer is July and August , weather wise, but the time we recommend is the shoulder season, May and September, October. We do this because the crowds are gone, the traffic is better on the narrow roads, and the prices are lower .

Q: How long should we stay?

A: We recommend a week. Whether you are an avid golfer or a casual golfer, there are plenty of courses to play, or you can spend time shopping, sightseeing, dining or pub crawling. This way you get the best return on the airfare cost.

Q: What types of accommodations are there to choose from?

A: Ireland features castles, bed and breakfast inns, farm houses and traditional hotels. We recommend you stay in a castle at least one night where you will be treated like royalty. Otherwise, you should headquarter in a location for several nights, and then move on. This allows you to experience the area, and all it has to offer, and then move to a new area to compare. I stayed in Ashford Castle, and was treated like a king!

Q: How does golf in Ireland compare with golf in Scotland?

A: They are both good, but since I am a Fitzgerald, I prefer Ireland. A one week golf trip to Ireland without airfare is about $2,000 compared to that same week in Scotland at $3,000. Buggies(carts) are extra, and hard to find. Caddies too are extra, and recommended because they will bring your score down with their local knowledge. Ireland is greener and more welcoming. There are over 100 courses to choose from We recommend a combination of headline names like Ballybunion, Lahinch, and several others, along with lesser known gems like the pricey, Old Head and Mahoney's Point.

Q: Is Ireland only for avid golfers, or can couples and casual golfers enjoy it too?

A: Absolutely! The partners of Golf Exclusives are higher handicaps, who play ready golf. Some of the famous courses require a handicap under 24, especially during high season. We plan to play a combination of headline courses at off peak times, and other scenic courses that are golfer friendly. As long as ready golf is followed, you should not have many turn downs. And remember, there are pubs everywhere.

Q: How do we get around?

A: Ireland is a relatively small island about 80 miles wide, and 120 miles from top to bottom. If you are comfortable in driving on the wrong side, we recommend a mini van for each foursome. For larger groups, we recommend chauffeur driven vehicles. Add about $25 to $50 per day, per golfer for this added amenity, which pays for his expenses and a fee.

Golf Exclusives Specials

Stay and Play at Callaway
Dates: Now till October 31, 2003

Includes:
Mountain Creek Inn for $99 per person per night plus 50% off on recreation including golf replay and twilight rounds, tennis, bike rental, boating and skeet and trap shooting.

Mountain Creek Cottages and Villas for 30% off lodging rates and 50% off on your recreation.

Ryder Cup: Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Hills MI
Dates: September 16-20, 2004

Includes:
4 nights double occupancy accommodations at the Hilton Garden Inn- Detroit Metro Airport.
Match badges for Friday-Sunday
Breakfast each morning
4 day compact car rental
All state and local taxes

Not Included:
Badge for opening ceremony.
Gas, tax and insurance on rental vehicle
Airfare. We can provide airfare if needed.

Cost per person: $1,995.

Gifts and Glitter at Saddlebrook Resort, Near Tampa FL.
Dates: December 19, 2003 to January 3, 2004

Includes:
Accommodations
50% discount on golf and tennis
Daily Breakfast
Dinner every 2 nights
Resort amenities and resort fee

Not Included:
State and local taxes

Cost Per Person: From $113 per night