Golf Travel Bags – Choose Wisely to Protect Your Investment
Planning a golf vacation? Don’t forget to protect your golf clubs by choosing the right golf travel bag. How do you choose the golf travel bag that is right for you? Let’s take a quick look at three different styles to help you make the right choice.
Remember, choosing the right golf travel bag isn’t only about the bag itself. Golfers planning a golf vacation or just looking for protection on short golf trips should ask themselves a few questions before making a purchase.
What is your budget for a golf travel bag?
Do you travel frequently with your golf clubs?
Do your golf trips mostly include air travel or auto travel?
With these questions in mind, let’s take a quick look at the different styles of golf travel bags and the benefits and negatives each offers.
Hybrid Travel Bags
These types of golf travel bags are essentially a golf bag with a hard top to protect your clubs. Unlike other styles, hybrids do not protect your day-to-day golf bag.
Hybrids will help golf travelers with space restrictions. They require less space than other models and also weigh less.
However, hybrid golf travel bags are not your golf bag. Therefore you must unpack and pack all of your golf gear each time you travel. These types of bags are also not the best choice for airline travel.
For golfers who travel more often by automobile and have an extra set of golf clubs, hybrid golf travel bags are a good choice.
Golfers can pick up a hybrid golf travel bag for as little as $60 with top of the line bags going for around $230.
Soft Golf Travel Bags
Think of this style of travel bags as a soft, padded, glove that covers your day-to-day golf bag and clubs. Usually, these bags come with a rigid bottom and wheels to help golfers carry them from location to location.
If you love to carry a lot of golf gear on your travels, then soft-style cases might be the right choice for you. You can travel with your day-to-day bag and stuff it with your other gear and golf accessories. These travel bags also breaks down easily and take up less storage space than hard case bags.
Some of the negatives associated with soft-style golf travel bags are mobility and protection. Soft bags usually do not roll as easily as hard cases. Also, these bags do not offer the same protection as hard cases. Your club heads are especially vulnerable in a soft-style bag.
If you choose a soft-style golf travel bag, I highly recommend that you pick up a Stiff Arm accessory. This will protect your club heads in the event of a direct impact to the top of your bag.
The best soft-style bags can cost anywhere from $120 – $300.
Hard Case Golf Travel Bags
This style of travel bag encompasses your bag and club. They provide the highest amount of protection but do not have space for the golf “pack rat”.
Hard cases are a great choice for the golfer who travels by air to most golf vacation spots. This style provides the most protection and highest security for your golf clubs. Unlike other styles of golf travel bags, airlines will often cover any damage incurred when your clubs are in a hard case travel bag.
Hard cases take up more room than other styles when it comes to storage. They also do not hold all of your golf gear. For the golfer who plans more trips by automobile, hard cases might not make as much sense as hybrids or soft-covers.
Hard case golf travel bags average $130 with top of the line cases costing around $300.
Now that you have a little more insight into golf travel bags, you will be able to choose the right bag for your golf travel and golf vacations. Remember to think about the type and frequency of your golf travel, how much protection you need for your golf clubs, and what type of budget you have for a golf travel bag.
Choose wisely. Protect your investment. And, most of all, enjoy your golf vacation!
The Old Man at the Baseball Game
The old man at the baseball game sat in his usual seat in the bleachers. The chair he sat in was propped up for his comfort. He’d been coming to the game as long as the oldest person remembers, and even they were children when they first encountered him. So in essence no one really knew his age. Many people say even he doesn’t know his correct age, but that’s hard to believe with all the wisdom glowing all around him.
People would greet the old man at the baseball game first. The fans made this an honorary tradition, many had become accustomed to this greeting. Before the national anthem people would salute him as a token of their respect and regard for his presence at the game. Even when people came late, and missed the traditional greeting, they would approach him at the end of the game to give him their respect. Yet it was mystifying because no one realized that his presence never left the stadium or so it would appear after everyone left the fans just thought he left also, but somehow he just vanished, so it would appear. He was here and then he wasn’t here, this went on for years. Where he went no one knows, but long as he was at the game the old man at the baseball game was a fantastic welcomed treat.
Where the Old Man at the Baseball Game sat was comfortably among the children with their parents close by they’d be laughing and playing. They all listened to the wondrous tales about his childhood, the parents included. He spoke of the different ball games he played as a child, and how different they were from this game being played, but the baseball game is an event that has captivated his imagination. He enjoyed the gatherings, and the closeness it would bring among families and friends in times of happiness. Tho, his faith is strong the children saw in the Old Man At the Baseball Game’s eyes that he is spiritually good and blessed. Their care for him was strong, as you could hear the children upon entering the stadium, “mommy, mommy, let’s go see the Old Man!” they’d say.
You could hear in the background as the announcers announced the game “you have two runners on, with two outs in the bottom of the second, a swing and a miss, that’s the end of the second inning.’
The Old Man At The Baseball game was good for rallying the troops behind whatever team the fans were rooting for, it didn’t matter to him long as the amusement was a pleasure to the people enjoying the game. The amusement was the spirit of the fans that he enjoyed to the utmost when their enjoyment was to the fullest he was just so immense with the thrill of the people to see them so happy. Many shunned the beer, and alcoholic beverages in his presence, they didn’t even smoke around him, as if they saw the unwritten law that they shouldn’t desecrate their bodies because they felt it would violate everything he stands for.
The Old Man At The Baseball Game seemed to help the men in their daily lives whether he was giving advice on marital situations, career advice, or just soothing conversation to a weary or frustrated man with no way out. He had the mystical voice of wisdom that seems to make everything well in that moment, and the women appreciated him also, he made them feel comfortable with the words of divine intervention as a direct method of showing them how important their roles are as women. Simply, many sought his counsel, and afterward were always glad they came to him for an answer to unanswered questions.
Many bursts of laughter could be heard throughout the stadium. No one cared about the loud noises because many had been part of the same outburst before. The extra noise is what made it so pleasant coming to the games in the first place because it was most always associated with the old man at the baseball game. It was a good thing that the owners of the stadium, installed a microphone on his chair. many observed the solemn presence of the Old Man At The Baseball Game, truly to all it was a blessing to hear him say prayer, even those, whom didn’t believe received chills of unexplained joy in their hearts at the end of his prayers. Many enjoyed when he would say “Our Father who art in heaven, Hollow be thine name, Thine Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven, give this day our daily bread and forgives us our trespasses as we forgive those whom trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for Thine is the Kingdom, and the Glory forever and ever, amen.”
He’s amazing, and always shed light on the matter, after his prayers the thunderous roar would just echo for moments in time. It was just exhilarating being in the echo itself because even the echo was consumed with the spirit of happiness, The Old Man At The Baseball Game always had this riveting influence on the fans, no matter where it was, he just rejuvenated the spirit of the people and even the game became more exciting. He made the nights easy, and the weekends relaxed, and in the background you heard the Announcer say, “ladies and gentlemen it’s the top of the fifth and the score is 2 to 2 and the home teams is out in the field, while the players are taking their positions don’t forget to enjoy the Old Man At the Baseball Game, he’s a delight for the whole family.”
Maybe it should be mentioned here, the Old Man at the Baseball game’s chair is adorned in a most beautiful color of purple you’ve ever seen. It’s like he received the mighty color from heaven itself. The gold is spectacular in the way it outlined the purple, and the remnants draped in white is simply dazzling to your sight. I mean the color white seems as pure as the clouds above, and that’s what’s so amazing about the colors they seemed hand picked by something beyond this hemisphere. Again, the chair The Old Man At The Baseball Game sat in was like a throne, the plush carpeting around it is as soft as soft can be, you know how sometimes you just can’t describe something in your mind’s ability to comprehend. Well this is one of those times. He’s worth everyday you come to the game whether it be for the whole season or once in a while he made the trip worth while coming to the baseball game.
If you took off from work or school it didn’t matter because a lesson was being taught well beyond the schools ability to teach the children, and working on human communication was better than struggling at work to fit in on days you simply wanted to be alone, the Old Man at the Baseball Game is patient, he explains how patience is one of the most important virtues a person can have in their daily life. He described how the virtue is one even Jesus strive to pursue on earth as He educated the flock of people whom gathered around him in supplication and prayer. He exclaimed! “men who walked away from the virtues of a divine man like Jesus to pursue things unrecognizable to the spirit are lost, and should redirect their life in a positive manner.”
The Old Man at the Baseball Game said, “for the Messiah has been misunderstood by many, but rest assure he did not misunderstand his purpose for being here among us as his deed represent the good in man and woman and for a woman and man’s clear understanding, and this everyone can be assured of even unto this day.”
The Old Man At the Baseball Game would not accept money for his words, works, or presence. He’d tell the people up front not to give him money, for it would do him no good as he is set by his own fortification. Even then his mannerism were polite and kind as not to be arrogant of disrespectful to the adoring fans. His words would resonant the echoes of Jesus as he would say, “Trust in God and understand the testimony of Jesus, as the Messiah, he is good to all, as he is the benefactor of truth, the same as your kindness is being bestowed upon me. Thank Heavens for all the people at the game for their support for me is a contribution to be made to the needy.” With that said, many would take money out of their pockets to donate and contribute to a needy cause just because they needed to feel they were doing something good.
He was profounded in many ways, and he remained a mystery for many years to many people. Especially after the time, the Great Bald Eagle flew over the stadium. The Eagle circled the stadium about four times. On the fifth time around the Eagle dove gracefully towards the Old Man At The Baseball Game, the Eagle was regal and majestic in its flight, and as it came closer the Eagle began to glide smoothly towards the arm of the chair where the Old Man At The Baseball Game sat. The Eagle landed, and what seemed to be a completely astonishing mystery is when the Eagle gave the Old Man At The Baseball Game eye contact, and then nodded his head up and down as if he were communicating telepathically with the Old Man At The Baseball Game. People Stopped what they were doing, a silence fell over the stadium, people across the field used binoculars to look towards this direction to se what was happening, you could see the players coming out of the dugout to see this magnificent feat occurring before everyone. The umpires called timeout for what seemed an eternity of curiosity. The announcers had nothing to say, everyone’s attention was focused on one area of the stadium. They were actually speaking to each other, the Eagle let out a loud series of what seemed to be laughs, I know it sounds crazy, but you had to be there to witness the event. We couldn’t believe what was happening either, but it was, it was remarkable, everyone was stumped, even though we should have expected something like this the whole thing wow, oowee just amazing, and before our vary eyes the two were communicating like old friends. The Eagle stayed until the Game was officially over, then as suddenly as he appeared, he disappeared.
Over time I became even more curious about him, not a bad curiosity, but a good one. See, I’ve worked here at the stadium for 28 going on 29 years, so every event, and every game, I’ve said something to him, even if it was just hi how are you doing today? I never took any of the others time away from them so they could enjoy The Old Man At The Baseball Game. No matter what, he was always available to me, on good days as well as bad days, and there were very, very few bad days that I can recall in the last 28 almost 29 years. I’ve experienced such joy and admiration for this one person who gave his all to The Holy Creator. In a way you can say it’s my job to be around him, but my station is at Gate G, and The Old Man At The Baseball Game is all the way on the other side in the bleachers, but I didn’t care because I could always use the excuse, I’m making my rounds checking out the safety of the stadium, most times my co workers knew what was going on because they’ve done it as much as I have. He was our High Priest, myster, friend, confidant, and plain ole good time. I tell you for real too, it is like the manifestation of The Holy Spirit surrounding him at all times; even though, it was actually the people at the game surrounding him, and we were the children chasing him in a game of hide n seek that he always won. You’ll soon understand what I’m talking about.
Well, it’s twilight time of the baseball game with it being in the bottom of the ninth inning, and the last game of the season. So now you can barely hear the people hollering and screaming in the excitement of the baseball game. The quietness is the usual sound as people are aware of what time it is, it’s almost time to go, many pray for extra innings, sometimes they’d get their wish when The Old Man At The Baseball Game senses there needs to be a cooling off period for those who may have drunk to much, maybe, or a little more tired than they realize, but many times for some reason all of a sudden it’s a rally and poof just like that it’s extra innings. You can feel the tension rising, even the pitcher tries to stall the game, by giving an intentional balk to the batter, walking the players for the fans satisfaction. Then the pitcher would lob the ball back and forth between first and second bases to stall even more. Nobody mind what he was doing. There would be no booing only yells of thanks, and happiness being returned for the pitchers kind generosity to the fans.
So now the game is over, and the end of the season has come once again. We didn’t secure the Conference Championship, but no one was more grateful to have been a part of the season and being with the Old Man At The Baseball Game than I was. Oh, I know there are thousands of fans feeling the same as I do, and it’s ok because the Old Man At The Baseball Game is a gift to us all. Now comes the usual practice of me, and three other Stadium Guards trying to catch him leaving.
For years, we’ve tried hiding in various spots unknown to spectators. We’ve had binoculars and telescopes keyed in on his every movement. At this time of season we make plans to catch him this time like the last time. I believe The Old Man At The Baseball Game knew what we were doing year after year, but it’s to his amusement because he allows us to play our little cat and mouse game, and we did year after year. Each time something happens, then he’s not there anymore, I mean The Old Man At The Baseball Game is there or here or somewhere, but people inner act with him, he’s not a myth or is he, don’t seem like he’s something out of the ordinary, but he is, is he from beyond the wisdom of our minds and straight out of heaven?
I see him very clear, I radioed to one of my partners, and he had the Old Man At The Baseball Game in his sights. There he’s making his move, The Old Man At The Baseball Game has gotten out of his seat, “man is he tall, isn’t angles said to be as tall as tall can be?”
He is going upwards towards the upper row of the bleachers, The Old Man At The Baseball Game is walking slowly upwards, I see him climbing the steps slowly one at a time, suddenly I heard a click on the radio reached over to pick it up, “did you see where he went?” The voice came over the radio said.
I tried to look back towards the same spot, but it was to late he had vanished. We couldn’t comprehend what just happened, we looked away for a split second and he was gone again. I call the other men stationed in the secret spots, they said they didn’t see him come by their way, what is this, how does he do this every year, seems as though we should be getting better at catching him, but were not, but oh well, it’s fun trying to catch him. It’s like he’s playing with us until the vary end. Now it’s time for the stadium to close, time for us to punch out and go home, but you can best believe that when next season comes, we’ll be ready again for The Old Man At The Baseball Game’s presence, good tidings, and most of all when he is preparing to leave, we’ll get him next season, but I said that last season too.
A Spain Golf-Portugal Vacation Planning Guide – An Insider’s Perspective to Spain Golf and Portugal
As boutique providers of upscale golf travel to exceptional destinations worldwide, we take the opportunity from time to time to share our findings regarding some of the great new courses in our footprint, which covers the U.S. West Coast including the Pacific Northwest, Europe and Argentina, among other dynamic destinations. One needs to be prudent when booking golf vacations outside the U.S. As you might also find with hotel properties, you simply can’t believe everything you read in a guide book or on the Internet. Have you ever been to a hotel or resort that hasn’t met your expectations or is living on past glories? Probably so! That’s why we personally play and inspect the courses we recommend to our upscale clientele.
In the past year, we have either played or inspected more than 40 golf courses in Spain and Portugal. While Spain golf and Portugal golf experiences are tops in the continent, what we found was surprising. Specifically, we uncovered some very strong new courses we had never heard of both in golf-rich regions as well as provinces not known for golf. Additionally, we found some much-heralded courses that no longer make the grade, in our professional opinion. With careful planning and expert counsel, your Spain golf vacation or Portugal golf vacation can be the stuff of lifelong memories.
So here are the unvarnished reviews of what we consider to be the top Destination Golf Courses in Spain and Portgual. Our criteria are based on a U.S. perspective from the point of view of a golf professional or scratch amateur (yes, I am a former PGA professional), which means we match our courses with the wishes and abilities of our guests as we place the highest value on the following course attributes:
o Design
o Conditioning
o Service
o Value
Spain Golf – Destination Golf Courses:
When Americans and Brits think of Spain golf, they naturally think of the Costa del Sol, which straddles the Mediterranean coast from Malaga to near Gibraltar. Yes, some of the best golf courses lie in this year-round resort area, but golf in Spain is about much more than the Costa del Sol. One can experience championship golf in the Barcelona area, in Seville, and we even found very strong courses in the Basque region (most notable are Izki Golf, a Ballesteros design, and Jose Maria Olazabal’s Golf Artxanda). Here’s our take on the best of the best of Spain golf:
Barcelona Golf
o RCG El Prat is the private, but accessible, Greg Norman-designed complex of 45 holes set in the upscale western suburbs of Barcelona. As all of the nines were designed and constructed simultaneously by the same architect, players can forge ten distinct 18-hole combinations that fit together seamlessly. As expected from Norman, most fairways are reasonably wide, but trouble lurks beyond their borders and approach shots challenge your iron skills. You will feel like a member for a day when you experience Real Club de Golf El Prat. This is a lovely setting and very relaxing getaway from the energy of Barcelona.
o PGA Golf de Catalunya is one of several properties owned and operated by the PGA European Tour, and is the only one in Spain. It’s easy to fall in the love with this place that is located in the Costa Brava (“Wild Coast”), just 75 minutes from Barcelona. There are two courses on the site, Green and Red, with the Green being the longer and stronger test of the duo. The Green is a big, tournament-ready course nestled in the forest just a bit inland from the Costa Brava shore. Mature “umbrella” pines and cork oaks line the well-manicured fairways, and the smooth but undulating greens will test one’s short game. The Verde is simultaneously challenging and fun. There are quite a few elevation changes on these tracks and the scenery is outstanding. There’s just something about those symmetrical umbrella pines that spells relaxation.
Costa del Sol Golf
o Valderrama arguably is the finest course in Continental Europe. The course is located in the upscale Sotogrande development that includes some of the finest golf courses in Spain. Sotogrande is located approximately 45 minutes from Marbella, the gem of the Costa del Sol. Valderrama is literally a legend in mainland Europe, having hosted the 1997 Ryder Cup, the World Golf Championship and countless Volvo Masters tournaments. That tournament elevated the stature of Spain golf to completely new heights. This Robert Trent Jones, Sr. gem is a must-play for the serious golf enthusiast touring the Costa del Sol. One can easily be distracted by the spectacular scenery and mesmerizing cork oaks that line the fairways, but this course demands your undivided attention. You can measure yourself against the best players in the world as you tackle the infamous 17th. The service is outstanding, the design is challenging and the conditioning is nothing short of world class. This is European golf at its very best and a must play for any Spain golf vacation! Maximum handicap: 24 Men; 36 Women.
o Sotogrande is the granddaddy of Costa del Sol golf and perhaps of Spain golf. Sotogrande is Valderrama’s older and less-menacing sibling, located at a lower elevation than most of the others courses on the Sotogrande property. Approximately ten years the senior, she provides wider landing areas and less intimidating greens complexes. Nevertheless, the ever-present breeze is enough to heighten the challenge on this nearly-seaside track. Although Valderrama tends to overshadow it as the best of Spain golf, Sotogrande remains one of the top five venues in mainland Europe.
o La Reserva is an impeccably-maintained and relatively new private club on the Sotogrande property. This Cabell Robinson design stretches to more than 7,300 yards from the back tees. Fortunately, there are four additional sets of tees from which to choose, so choose appropriately! La Reserva’s length is somewhat mitigated by meticulous grooming and generous fairways and greens, so relax and enjoy the wonderful Costa del Sol setting. Few courses offer such incredible curb appeal. The course straddles the rolling hills of the Western Costa del Sol, making this one of the most beautiful golf courses in Spain. The course view from the drive to the club house alone is worth the trip.
o Santana Golf is not a course you read so much about as it is new, but rest assured that it is one of the most talked-about new golf courses in Spain. Set in the hills above the coast in a beautiful, former avocado orchard, Santana is the young upstart of the Costa del Sol golf scene. This track blends a beautiful setting, quality design, attentive service and splendid conditioning to create a grand Spain golf experience. Santana Golf is easily walkable, employs water hazards and bunkers prudently and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the Mediterranean. The par-72, 7,000-yard Cabell Robinson design offers four sets of tees so that you can bite off as much or as little as you desire of this wonderfully-diverse layout. If you are in the Costa del Sol, experience Santana while it is young and relatively undiscovered.
o Finca Cortesin is another newcomer to the Costa del Sol. The course is located near the mountaintop “white village” of Casares, which looms like a beacon amidst the majestic Sierra Bermeja mountain range. This new Spain golf course opened in early 2007 and is quickly making a name for itself as one of the best golf courses in all of Spain. The Cabell Robinson design offers a challenging variety of holes, as evidenced by the scenic par-4 13th that confronts the player with two water hazards, yet sooths with eye-pleasing green complexes. As bonuses, the routing remains unspoiled by development, the modern practice facility is quite extensive and the customer service is absolutely among the best we have encountered in all of Spain. We suggest that you play this one before the word gets out about one of the best new Spain golf courses!
Portugal Golf – Destination Golf Courses:
As is the case with Spain golf, Portugal golf is much more than a slew of courses situated in one location, which, in this case, is the Algarve. Sure the Algarve has long been known for great golf and great beaches! Quieter and less overbuilt than the Costa del Sol, the Algarve is experiencing a bit of a golf course building boom. There are no fewer than 10 Algarve golf courses either under construction or on the books. But there also are some very strong golf courses on or near the coast in Lisbon. Here’s our take on the best available Portugal golf experiences:
Algarve Golf
o Vilamoura-Old Course is the elder-statesman of golf in the Algarve. Owned by the Oceanico consortium, this landmark course was constructed in 1969 by Frank Pennink and has been consistently refurbished over the years; however, it has not lost its original and classic parkland charm. The many umbrella pine trees that border the fairway corridors are definitely in play, the rolling landscape challenges your club selection and the undulating greens test your short game, but all the difficulties are mitigated by meticulous grooming. Add to all that the soothing views of the surrounding hills down to the coast. We love this property.
o Monte Rei is a course that you definitely will hear quite a bit about if it hasn’t already come to your attention. This delightful new Jack Nicklaus design, located in a pristine natural setting in the eastern Algarve not far from the border with Spain, is winning the hearts of all those who play it. The first of two Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses, Monte Rei North, opened in 2007 to rave reviews. The second is in the advanced stages of construction. Nicklaus has utilized the natural landscapes to sculpt a unique layout of approximately 7,200 yards, with eight par 4s, five par 3s and five par 5s – of these eighteen holes, water comes into play on eleven. Monte Rei is a must-play on the Portugal golf scene, especially while it remains somewhat undiscovered. That won’t last long!
o San Lorenzo Golf Club is located in the central Algarve, which is the most developed part of the region. This Joe Lee design undoubtedly is one of the best Portugal golf courses, as it combines a fabulously diverse layout with a gorgeous setting. You will likely use every club in your bag as you traverse this track of slightly less than 7,000 yards, and you will believe that the scenery cannot get any better until you reach the 17th and 18th holes, which are set in the serenity of a bird reserve. On the downside, San Lorenzo gets quite a bit of play, but once you experience it, you will understand why.
Lisbon Area Golf
o Praia d’El Rey is links golf at its best and ranks near the very top of the Portugal golf list of best courses. In 2003, Golf World ranked it the 13th best course in Continental Europe, and we do not argue the point. Cabell Robinson has done another masterful job creating a Portugal golf course that exemplifies tasteful diversity. Ten holes meander along the coast in a links fashion, as the other eight twist their way through a thinly-forested section. To top it off, all the holes offer strategic bunkering and quick greens with plenty of movement in them to keep your attention. There has been some recent real estate development on the perimeter, but so far, not so much as to destroy the ambiance. Praia d’El Rey is Portugal golf at its best!
o Oitavos Dunes is a newcomer to Portugal golf, having opened in 2001. This Arthur Hills design is one of the most intriguing that you will find anywhere and it reminds us quite a bit of Bandon Dunes in Oregon. The design itself is excellent, as the par-71 layout can stretch to more than 7,000 yards and the fast, undulating greens challenge even those with the finest short games. Add all of this to spectacular ocean vistas on one flank and mountain views on the other, and you get one very special property. You might not want to worry about your score here, at least not after your first round, for the course’s challenges and the distracting scenery can create some high numbers. Oitavos Dunes is a great addition to the Portugal golf scene and is worth every additional stroke!
So that’s our take on the best of the best of Spain golf and Portugal golf. The Ryder Cup at Valderrama in part contributed to a golf course construction boom on the Iberian Peninsula. Thankfully, we’ll be back there soon to check out new courses such as the second course at Monte Rei and Nick Faldo’s Oceanico course, also in the Algarve.