Golf Exclusives E-Newsletter - October 1, 2005

The season is nearly over

Those of us in the northern climes are enjoying autumn golf; milder humidity, clear skies and shorter days. Those in the hotter climes like Florida or Arizona are facing aeration as the courses do maintenance to get them ready for the dormant winter months. There is still golf to be played, and I recommend a trip to Charleston, Kiawah Island or San Diego to get your game in play. Visit www.golfexclusives.com and learn more about these “moderate” destinations to keep your game in tune.

Welcome to the Golf Exclusives Hole in One Club

Want to get some recognition for yourself, and save a few dollars on your next trip? 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 just for you.

Now that the good golf weather is here, I expect a few of you to send in your information. 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, for future golf travel with us.

On the Road Again

Contributed by Phillippa King, of the New Zealand Golf Tourism Cluster

Well not really. We have some friends going to New Zealand and Australia next spring. That prompted me to research the golf scene in beautiful New Zealand, and I thought I would share my research with you in case you are thinking of golfing over there.

New Zealand is popular for extraordinary outdoor adventure and thrills like bungee jumping and having the most stunning landscapes to do it in. But it's less established as a destination for golf. Now, with new investment and a series of world-ranked, quality golf resorts, that has changed.

There is no question that New Zealand is a fabulous golf destination. It offers top class facilities set in breathtaking scenery. Allow plenty of time, because there is so much more to see and experience beyond the golf course.

To make the most of your visit, combine your golfing vacation with a leisurely exploration of the exquisite food and wine offerings, or give yourself the chance to participate in some thrilling adventures....

Sample Golf Vacation Itinerary - North Island

Day 1 Arrive in Auckland, remainder of day free for sightseeing, overnight Auckland.

Day 2 Go by car, ferry or helicopter to Beachlands for golf at Formosa Country Club. Take time to visit the SKY Tower and sample Auckland nightlife. Overnight Auckland (or stay overnight at Formosa). This spectacular golf course, 45min from downtown Auckland, opened in January 1998 in time to host the New Zealand Open. Designed by New Zealand's greatest golfer, Sir Bob Charles, it was quickly listed in The Finest Golf Clubs of the World.

Day 3 Experience Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World in the morning, followed by a short drive to Whangaparoa Peninsula. Golf at Gulf Harbour Country Club overlooking the Waite Mata Harbour. Overnight at Gulf Harbour.

Gulf Harbour is the only course in New Zealand designed by the esteemed American designer Robert Trent Jones Jr. The course was the site of the 1998 World Cup of Golf and will host the 2005 NZ Open. It’s an easy 40min drive from Auckland city, and the course is an important part of a development that includes a new residential community, hotel and marina.

Day 4 Leisurely drive to the Bay of Islands, with stops to visit the Kauri Museum and the Treaty House at Waitangi before arriving at Matauri Bay. Alternative transportation available by helicopter. Overnight Kauri Cliffs.

Day 5 Early tee off at Kauri Cliffs in the morning. Afternoon cruise around beautiful Bay of Islands. Overnight Kauri Cliffs.

The extraordinary and the mysterious Hokianga Harbour are just part of what make Northland a slice of heaven. The lodge at Kauri Cliffs has 180 degree views of the Pacific Ocean, Cape Brett and the Cavalli Islands. It's where guests enjoy rooms for reading and playing cards, for checking email and holding meetings, for enjoying cocktails before an á la carte gourmet meal that in fine weather is commonly taken on the verandah. The restaurant serves only the finest New Zealand lamb, beef and seafood. Gentlemen will require a jacket for cocktails and dinner.

The golf course, designed by David Harman, of Golf Course Consultants in Orlando, Florida, is an eye-popping 6510metre par 72 that overlooks the ocean. Kauri Cliffs was named 49th best golf course in the world by Golf magazine and awarded Best New International Golf Course in 2001 by Golf Digest.

Day 6 Morning flight to Taupo and Wairakei geothermal region. Golf at the Wairakei International Golf Course in afternoon. Overnight Taupo.

Where Northland has its beaches and Auckland its great waterfront restaurants, Lake Taupo is the centrepiece of a region of spectacular volcanic cones. It's possible here to fish, play golf and ski on the same day. Lake Taupo is an adventure paradise in so many ways. For now, imagine yourself making the three-hour trek up the volcanic slope of Mount Ngaruahoe for a peek inside the active crater, or crossing Mount Tongariro - a nine-hour walk often said to be the best one-day walk in the world. For fans of the film trilogy The Lord of the Rings, Tongariro National Park was the location for Mordor and Mount Doom. But don't let that put you off. Picture yourself breezing down the mountain over freshly fallen snow at one of the three ski fields on Mount Ruapehu, or sailing across the lake on a windsurfer or in a small boat, with the wind at your back. See yourself by the mighty Huka Falls or on the first tee at Wairakei International, the first New Zealand golf resort built with the express aim of attracting overseas guests. Built by the government's Tourist Hotel Corporation in 1970, Wairakei is the original New Zealand golf resort and, though it has changed owners since then, the course has aged beautifully and recent upgrades have maintained its status of one of New Zealand's finest places to play

Day 7 Visit the fabulous Cape Kidnappers Golf Course in Hawkes Bay. Overnight Napier.

Keep an eye out for gannets as you play golf. The new course at Cape Kidnappers is not only one of New Zealand's best (some say it's now the best) it's also one of the best in the world. The American designer of Cape Kidnappers, Tom Doak, who is also well known for his prize-winning courses in the US, has said that, 'If Cape Kidnappers were a book it would be an epic. Enjoy your game and enjoy the setting [because] you may never play golf somewhere like this again'

Day 8 Full day free for visiting wineries, trout fishing, farm visit. Overnight in Napier.

Day 9 Fly or drive to Auckland Airport for your flight home.

Ocean Hammock Resort
Flagler Beach FL

Now through December 15, 2005

PACKAGE INCLUSIONS

• Quad accommodations in 3 bedroom luxury oceanfront condominium
• 18 holes with cart on the Jack Nicklaus signature course.
• Pre booked tee times

Ryder Cup 2006
K Club
Dublin Ireland

PACKAGE INCLUSIONS

• 5 nights accommodation at the 4 star Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel
• International Pavilion Badge.
• Thursday- Sunday Tournament passes
• Daily breakfast
• Ground transportation
• On site representative
• All applicable taxes

Doral Blue Monster Thanksgiving Special
Miami FL

November 1-30, 2005
3 nights minimum

PACKAGE INCLUSIONS

• Garden Resort Room Accommodations
• Full American Buffet Breakfast Daily at Terrazza Restaurant
• Three (3) days of Golf:
• One Round ea on the Blue Monster, Great White, and either Gold, Silver or Red
• Complimentary Replay Rounds on the Red, Gold or Silver courses
• Unlimited use of Driving Range
• Golf Bag Storage
• Introductory Golf Clinic (one per stay)
• 60- day Advance Tee-Times reservation

Saddlebrook Resort
Wesley Chapel near Tampa FL

2005 Golf Escape
Now thru January 5, 2006
Three Night Minimum

PACKAGE INCLUSIONS

• Accommodations
• Breakfast each morning
• Daily golf (18 holes - cart & greens fees)
• Second golf rounds (same day) at cart fee - subject to tee time availability
• Nightly club cleaning & storage
• Practice range use (one bucket of balls, daily)
• Advance tee times
• Daily Spa admittance (Spa services are extra)
• Daily on-property biking
• Welcome cocktail
• Resort fee

Non-golfers deduct $90.00 per night
*Rates are per adult, per night
*Rates are subject to applicable taxes