Travel Insider: Specials from the world of golf

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The La Quinta Resort Mountain Course hosted q-school in 2011 and is in the Humana Challenge rotation.

Jan. 20, 2012
By Tom Cunneff, LINKS Magazine

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With the Euro trending downwards, even the continent's most opulent getaways loom as viable options. Villa d'Este, the legendary resort on the shores of Lake Como in northern Italy, features a three-night program that includes two green fees at one of six nearby clubs (Golf Club Villa d'Este among them) plus two "culinary experiences" at any of the hotel's restaurants. Valid on weekdays from March 1 to April 29, the package covers three nights in an executive room with park/garden view, full buffet breakfast, access to the resort's Sporting Club, VAT and taxes, and other extras. Located an hour's drive from Milan, Villa d'Este, a former 16th-century residence, was converted to a luxury hotel in 1873. Package rates start at approximately $1,286 per person. Non-golfer companion rate is $1,030.

Sign of the times? Formerly private Quintero Golf Club in Peoria, Ariz., located 35 minutes northwest of Phoenix, is now a semi-private facility with tee times available for daily-fee play. Ranked among the nation's finest residential courses, Quintero, designed by Rees Jones, rambles across the high Sonoran Desert in the foothills of the Hieroglyphic Mountains. The cactus-studded property is surrounded by federal lands, adding to its secluded feel. The club also features an extensive practice facility. Winter rates start at $125 for non-residents. Stay & Play packages are also available.

Come winter, the hemisphere's best "sweater weather" golf can be found in Bermuda. Rosewood Tucker's Point in Hamilton Parish is promoting its "Swing into Winter" golf deal through March 31. The two-night program, priced from $695 per room, double occupancy, features unlimited golf with cart at Tucker's Point Golf Course and 50 percent off club rentals. Guests of Tucker's Point also receive playing privileges at the renowned Mid Ocean Club. The deluxe 88-room resort has multiple dining venues, a spa, fitness club, dive center, several swimming pools and Bermuda's largest private beach.

Good deals are hard to come by in Greater Palm Springs, but a specially-priced Season Golf Pass at La Quinta Resort & Club provides three opportunities to experience world-class golf in the California desert. Priced at $379, the Season Golf Pass features one round on La Quinta Resort Dunes Course; and two rounds on a choice of five La Quinta Resort and PGA West courses, including La Quinta's Mountain and Dunes courses, TPC Stadium ($50 surcharge), Jack Nicklaus Tournament and Greg Norman courses. The program is available seven days a week, three-day advance reservations, subject to availability.

Is safety a major concern when you travel? Check out the data posted by the US Travel Insurance Association (UStiA), a national consortium of insurance carriers, third-party administrators, insurance agencies and related businesses. Among the association's goals is to educate consumers about travel insurance and ensure that travelers have affordable access to travel protection. UStiA's website offers a wealth of useful information, from travel health tips (how to recover from the effects of jet lag) to travel health articles (vaccination requirements, tips for traveling with babies and small children, etc.).