Until Feb. 28, Canadians can stay and play a round on any of five resort courses at Pinehurst for $176 US per person, per night, a price that also includes overnight accommodations and breakfast.
Visiting Canadians also have the option of upgrading to the famed Pinehurst No. 2 for $222 US, per person, per night, with room and breakfast. For more information, call 1-800-487-4653 or e-mail info@pinehurst.com.
The mere thought of that experience is something that will warm the heart of golfers now that the snow has begun to fly, but Pinehurst isn't the only warm weather destination luring Canadians to their fairways. Talk to people who represent destinations or hotels in Arizona, Florida or other areas and you will hear a familiar story.
"It is no secret that it is a buyers market right now and this bodes well for Canadian golfers who can find great rates at top Scottsdale golf courses and resorts. Many properties are offering packages that include tee times," said Laura McMurchie, spokesperson for the Scottsdale Convention and Visitors Bureau in Arizona.
That means breaks for Canadians who have been feeling the pinch of the recession the past year.
"With today's economic climate, people are booking their travel based on value. If a customer is perceiving good value with golf -- with a minivan and with the accommodation -- it's a no-brainer," said Alan Zakka, director of sales and customer service for UltimateGolf travel.
Of course, the recession has Canadians thinking value, but in the United States, where the economic downturn has hit harder, Americans are staying home compared to the past, leading to bargains for Canadians.
"What has happened is the hotels in all of the United States that we deal with, in particular for golf, have come back to us with these unbelievable room breaks that we pass on to our customers," Zakka said.
As a result, Zakka says well-known Florida resorts such as PGA National, Doral, Saddlebrook, Reunion Resort and Fairmont Turnberry Isle are providing high season rates that are lower than in the past.
He also points out that vacation homes and condos in the Orlando area are coming in with the lowest nightly rates in years and adding in an extra night free bonus.
As an example, Zakka pointed to a deal at the Van Der Valk Lakeside resort, about 90 minutes from Orlando that has been offering a three-bedroom accommodation, minivan rental and unlimited golf for under $500 per person.
"I got a phone call last week and the gentleman was expressing interest in the Van Der Valk Lakeside golf resort and I told him what was included and he was shocked with the price," Zakka said. "He booked it on the phone with me right then and there."
Even Hilton Head is offering deals such as a two-bedroom villa and six rounds of golf for $589 per person to Canadians who are also benefiting from a muscled-up Canadian dollar.
"The value of the Canadian dollar will make rounds of golf a true value this winter," Doug MacKenzie of the Greater Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau said. "In addition, many of the hotels and resorts are offering tremendous rates and packages that make it difficult to stay home."
For more, see ultimategolf.ca.
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