Messinia is located on the Peloponnese mainland in the southwest of Greece. This lesser know region is full of cultural history, important archaeological sites and is rich in colourful, traditional towns and villages. It has an abundance of outstanding natural beauty and some of the best beaches in the whole of Greece. Recently Messinia has become an important area for new golf developments. In fact it will have the largest golf resorts in the whole of the Balkans and Mediterranean. Particular attention is being focused in the areas of Finikounda, Methoni and Pylos.

Petros Doukas, Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance and Dimitris Avramopoulos, Minister of Tourism are keen to see more golf opportunities in Greece. Messinia is one of the largest regions to benefit from these plans. Interest in Messinia has increased largely because the Government is actively encouraging investment here with new laws aiming to stimulate local revenue. Government studies have shown that more than 200,000 visitors to Greece annually are potential golf tourists.

Private sector investors have also been buying large parcel of land in Messinia and have been building holiday rental units. It is estimated that over the next 3 year Finikounda alone will have accommodation for over 2000 tourists. Tourists will also benefit from a new Thalasso therapy centre (seawater treatments) that will soon be completed. So it’s easy to understand the current interest in developing this high-end attraction in one of the world’s most attractive climates.

The Tourism Enterprise of Messinia (TEMES) will be constructing a state of the art luxury resort at Navarino Bay. Troon Golf, the world’s leading high-end golf development, marketing and management company will be managing both the championship and standard courses. The golf courses themselves will be designed by Robert Trent-Jones II Inc the Californian based Golf Course Architects.

Currently it takes approximately 3.5 hours to drive to the new golf resorts from Athens, but this time will be reduce to under 3 hour when new road are in place. In accordance with the government’s guidelines for the ‘Good Road Plan’ a new motorway is under construction from Tropoli to Kalamata and is nearly completed. Another new major road is planned between Kalamata and Methoni further opening up the area.

Country Club Resort - Pylos

The resort is location at Gialova to the north of Pylos and 40km from Kalamata airport. The resort is set in 148 hectares of land with rolling hills, spectacular views of the historical Navarino bay and is adjacent to the new marina.

The architects have designed the resort ensuring that it is not obtrusive to the landscape and in keeping with the traditional styles of the area. The development will include 2 luxury hotels and individual holiday homes. There will be a championship golf course, several swimming pools and terraces, surrounded by landscaped gardens with numerous pathways leading to the sandy beach.

The total capacity of this resort will be 2,400 beds for tourist. The complex will have a conference centre which will accommodate 1,200 delegates. There will also be and environmental protection and development centre.

The Family Beach Resort - Romanos

The resort will be located 50km from Kalamata airport on the beautiful beach of Romanos and will have fabulous views of the Ionian sea. The plot covers 141 hectares of land on a gently sloping plateau. The resort will have a variety of family accommodation surrounding a village street with restaurants, tavernas and shops. This complex will offer an 18 hole championship golf course, numerous swimming pools, a tennis club and an exclusive thalasso therapy centre over looking the sea. For the children there will be a children’s club, a mini golf course and a gymnasium.

This project had been on going for the last twenty years. A total of approximately 1.2 million m2 of land has been acquired from 1,300 individual holders of deeds. Already two of the largest private reservoirs have been built in order two water the golf courses. Building permits and documents have been filed with the Town Planning Department. The approximate area of the buildings amounts to some 100,000 m2. Understandably the paperwork for this project has been a mammoth task in itself. Achilles Constantakopoulos, the Managing Director of TEMES has stated that by 2015, Navarino will be Greece’s premier golf destination. There will be seven courses within half-an-hours drive of each other.

The Pylos (Gialova) and Romanos resort will be completed in accordance with the plans by spring 2008. It will have the largest hotel complex in the Balkans and Mediterranean. The investment for phase one totals

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While Florida’s tourism industry stemmed from its breathtaking beaches and world-
renowned theme parks, it has established itself as a first-class golf destination.
Although there are top golf courses to be found throughout the state, the areas of
Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Miami are making the largest impact on the
state’s golf industry.

Tampa Bay Area

The Tampa Bay Area is the fastest growing golf region in the state although it has
not quite established itself among the “greats” yet. The area is gaining notoriety
with first-class resorts, upscale daily fee courses, and a number of public access
facilities for any level or price range. If you are looking for a course with an old
time Florida feel, spend a day on the Copperhead Course at Westin Innisbrook. It
has been labeled one of the top golf resorts in the country due to its full character
and challenging features. The course is lush and green with plenty of risk and
reward opportunities. The Copperhead Course is open only to resort guests,
members, and friends of members with greens fees of $160 for guests.

A new arrival to the Tampa Golf scene can be found just a short drive north of the
city. World Woods Golf Club was recently developed with two courses, a nine-hole
short course, and a state of the art practice center. The Pine Barrens and Rolling
Oaks courses provide two different golf experiences. Pine Barrens is uniquely
challenging, making for an enjoyable round while Rolling Oaks is full of relaxing
dips and peaceful climbs through Florida farmland. Both courses are worth a visit to
this new golf club and with 700 hotel rooms within a 20-minute drive, you can
make a vacation of it.

Orlando Area

Although, historically, Walt Disney World and other theme park attractions have
overshadowed the Orlando golf scene, the area is full of top-rated courses and
first-rate golf resorts. There are between 100 and 150 courses in the area and
Orlando is host to two PGA tour events. In an article about Orlando golf, one cannot
overlook the Bay Hill Club and Lodge. One of the most prestigious semi-private
clubs in the country, it has been a part of the PGA tour since 1979. The club has
three nine-hole courses, the Challenger, the Champion, and the Charger. Bay Hill
makes an effort to provide top of the line service by enhancing the smallest details.
For example, each foursome at the club gets a forecaddie with no extra charge to
haul clubs, rake sand traps, and provide tips on difficult shots. You must be a guest
or resort member to play these courses with greens fees of $175 per round during
peak season.

The North-South course at Grand Cypress Villas, designed by Jack Nicklaus, is one
of the most well groomed courses in Florida. This combined with man-made rolling
fairways and turtleback greens makes for very enjoyable play. The course has been
labeled as roomy but challenging and is a must visit for any golfer in the Orlando
Area. Greens fees run from $115 to $180, well worth a day away from The Mouse.

Jacksonville Area

Jacksonville, one of the best-kept secrets on the East Coast, has a great waterfront
setting and is a well-established golfing destination. The city and its surrounding
areas are home to 68 courses, the PGA and Senior PGA tour headquarters, and the
World Golf Village, just a few minutes down I-95. The courses in Jacksonville
require accuracy but are known to provide plenty of variety. The world famous TPC
at Sawgrass was built in 1981 and is the annual host of the Tournament Players
Championship. The two courses, the Stadium and Valley, are maintained to
remarkably high standards but are two very different golfing experiences. The
Stadium Course, home to the infamous 17th island green, the most photographed
hole in golf, is known for fast greens and tight fairways. This course can fool any
level of golfer into a feeling of false security with hidden bunkers and tricky water
hazards. The younger sibling, the Valley Course, is more technically extreme but is
often overlooked. The larger greens and fairways make for a more lighthearted
golfing experience. To play, one must be a guest at the Marriot at Sawgrass or a
member. Greens fees range from $140 to $305 for the Stadium Course and $110
to $170 for the Valley Course.

The World Golf Village is home to two courses, both with two distinct nines, one
open and one wooded. The King & The Bear, designed by Arnold Palmer and Jack
Nicklaus, has recently joined the Slammer & The Squire to offer great courses all
designed by the best in the business. The Slammer & The Squire course has plenty
of lakes with rolling fairways while the newer course focuses more on aesthetics
without compromising the quality of play. Players with great short game execution
will enjoy The Slammer & The Squire while The King & The Bear requires accuracy
with distance and placement. These fine courses coupled with the World Golf Hall
of Fame and all the attractions that accompany it are a great way to enhance your
Jacksonville golf experience. Greens fees are $99 to $179 for the older course and
$125 to $200 for The King and The Bear.

Miami Area

It is easy to add golf to any luxurious Miami vacation. With world-class resorts,
infamous South Beach, and a host of semi-private courses in its back yard, Miami
has become a top golf vacation destination. PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens
offers golfers five tournament caliber courses all ranked by Zagat for “America’s Top
Courses.” There is a course for every kind of player at PGA National whether you are
a seasoned pro or someone just getting into the game. The Haig, The General, The
Champ, The Squire, and The Estate are unique and offer something a little different.
The Haig, the first course developed was intended to and does offer quality golf for
all players. Qualities such as having no crossing water hazards evens the playing
field regardless of skill. The newest course is The General, modeled after Scottish
courses. Players will see these roots in its rising and falling fairways and common
greens. The most renowned of the five is The Champ, offering the finest playing
surface available anywhere in the world. For information regarding tee times and
golf packages, visit the PGA National website.

Perhaps the most revered of South Florida golf resorts is the Doral Golf Resort and
Spa. The Doral is home to 5 courses, nine pro shops, and a top-rated spa. The
Blue Monster, The Great White, The Red, The Silver, and The Gold are world-
renowned for fantastic golf and with water on over 60 of the 90 holes, they are also
known for their challenge. The Great White, designed by Greg Norman, and The
Blue Monster, one of the most recognizable courses in the country, are the top two
courses at Doral. The Great White, framed by palm trees and white sand, is difficult
to play and favors those who play position golf. The Blue Monster is known for
huge water hazards, unforgiving rough, and an 18th hole that is one of the toughest
finishes on the PGA Tour. The Greens Fees range from $100 to $225 depending on
the course and season.

A Florida golf vacation can be enjoyed regardless of what destination you choose.
From Jacksonville to Miami and Tampa to Orlando there are countless top rated golf
resorts, clubs, and courses for you to choose from. These destinations, coupled
with fantastic vacation rental homes make the Sunshine State a great place to stay
and play.

Caroline Brame writes travel articles for various travel websites. For more information
on Florida travel, as well as, other vacation destinations, visit
http://www.RentalsExpress.com

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Taking the family out for a holiday and you play golf!
If you’re a golf enthusiast, you will know that golf is all about who you play golf with and where you play golf. It makes a world of difference! In fact, it’s a good idea for you to take your family on an outing or a holiday in a golf course. Although not all your family members will like to play golf with you but you get to kill two birds with one stone. You get to play your golf and your family gets to enjoy the luxurious hotel and resort setting and visit from travel destinations.

The golf courses will keep changing to give golfers a fresh layout
Before you start looking for a golf resort to play golf in, check whether the golf course is actually a public one, a private one or a semi-private one. The classifications determine whether you’ll get to play golf there or not. A private golf course is reserved and is not open to the public. The semi-private golf courses are a membership-based golf course that allows certain public to play on their golf courses, for instance, hotel customers. Bear in mind that re-design and renovation of golf courses is an extremely common thing. Hotels and golf course owners usually renovate their golf courses consistently because people get bored playing in the same golf course over a certain period of time. So, to make it more attractive for golf enthusiasts, they will renovate or improve on the layout of the golf courses. It’ll also be more challenging for return golf enthusiasts.

Keen on improving your golf? Enroll in a golf school, of course!
And if you’re keen on improving your golf, you can even enroll yourself into a golf school. A one-on-one golf course is probably going to cost you an arm and a leg - especially if you’re talking about engaging the services of a professional golf instructor. Budget and time may become an obstacle to a golf enthusiast. So, what is the next best thing to do? To enroll yourself in an affordable golf school, of course. You’ll get to play and have fun at the same time - and if it’s a crash course, it won’t take up too much of your time because the syllabus is cramped into a certain period of time. And because these golf schools give golf lessons in small groups and not on a one-on-one basis, the cost of enrolling in the schools is much more affordable. The newer and broader types of packages offered from some of these golf schools can accommodate golf enthusiasts with all kinds of abilities - from amateurs, beginners to expert golfers.

Dakota Caudilla, journalist, and website builder Dakota Caudilla lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of http://www.travel-and-play.com on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.

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