Golfing Daytona
by Shelley Poulton



Daytona Beach is on its way to becoming the golf capital of Florida. The city boasts 28 golf courses (in the immediate Daytona Beach area) and has seen five new courses spring up in the past five years.

According to Golf Daytona Beach's Dick Clark, "the golf crowd is a mixture of both snowbirds and young folks. Like the rest of Florida, our winter golfers tend to be older, while the summer brings more families - younger golfers."

A golf vacation in Daytona Beach can be as good for your bank account as it is for your swing. Despite the vast selection of famous golf courses, the area is not quite as expensive as you might think.

There are more than 20 championship courses available, and many of them have very affordable rates. Accommodations packages that include rounds of golf can lower the rate even further, as can special discounts that are sometimes available. And the best part is, while you're saving money, you'll be swinging for less on the greens of the pros - courses designed by golf giants Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Arthur Hills, Rees Jones and Lloyd Clifton.

Even the premier course of the LPGA can be played for a reasonable fee. Daytona Beach is home to the LPGA International facility - and its two 18-hole courses. One of those courses is known as The Champions Course and is the site of the prestigious LPGA Mercury Titleholders event. The second course, The Legends, just opened for public play last October. The LPGA facility also features a teaching academy with practice holes, greens and a driving range.

Out-of-towners can play 18 holes of golf at the LPGA International facility between May 11 and October 31 for as low as $30.00. And that rate includes the golf cart! The $30 rate is for twilight golf on a weekday. But even the top guest rate is a reasonable $45 for prime weekend time. If you've got junior players in your party, they play for free after 3 p.m. (if accompanied by a paying adult). Low prices are also available for the practice academy. Book up to seven days in advance by calling (904) 274-LPGA (5742).

What's even better than cheap golf? Free golf. And that can be had in Daytona Beach too. The Golf Daytona Beach organization is promoting area courses with a summer/fall special package. If you stay at a participating hotel for two or more consecutive nights, you'll get a free round of golf for each day of your stay. You must play after noon, and cart fees are extra. For more information, visit www.golf-dayotna.com, or call (800) 881-7065.

Keep the golf trip prices down by exploring your accommodations options. The area abounds with hotels in a variety of price ranges. To surf around for great rates, visit the area's official website at www.dayotnabeach.com. There, you can use an online travel planner, which will suggest hotels that fit your needs and price range. It will even ask what activities you like to participate in - and if one of them is golf, that will be factored into the creation of your custom trip itinerary.

Many hotels and resorts offer golf packages. Prices can vary dramatically, but for the biggest savings, try to be a little bit flexible in your tee-off times. Many packages offer a two-tiered pricing system, with lower rates available for those who are willing to kick off their round after noon. Be sure to ask about all of the options if you're booking a package with cost-consciousness in mind.

For free golf-related activities, visit during one of the big name golf tournaments. While the tickets will cost you and lodging prices will be a little bit higher, there will be a host of free activities available to fill your time. In May, the celebrated LPGA's Mercury Titleholders Championship brings the best female golfers to town - plus a variety of events. You can take part in golf clinics or meet the stars at autograph signings. Or tour the traveling Fan Village - with exhibits on the LPGA tour history. Younger players have plenty of fun and free stuff to do during the LPGA event. The Junior Clinic provides for free instruction from the pros, aimed at kids under the age of 14. Oh yeah, the kids will love if you take them to Disney World - less than an hour away.