The Stylish Traveler
Playing world famous golf courses on both sides of The Pond is my passion. Like notches on my driver, I enjoy testing my mettle on legendary links played by the pros—Pebble Beach, St. Andrews, Pinehurst or my favorite, The TPC Blue Monster at Doral Golf Resort & Spa, A Marriott Resort in Miami.
But I hate paying full price. So I stretch my golf travel dollars by playing the famous courses off season.
Doral summer golf getaways are 40% less than winter rates. Think it’s too hot in Florida in July or August? Right now temperatures in Baltimore/Washington are hotter than Miami. I’m escaping the heat and heading south.
How do I love Doral? Let me count the ways: 
It’s easy to reach. Just 7 miles from the Miami airport. Leave Baltimore/ Washington in the a.m. Arrive in time for lunch and a full round of golf.
It’s a name dropper. Doral has five 18-hole championship courses but the star is the TPC Blue Monster. For five decades it has hosted some of the most hotly contested championships on the PGA tour. Half of all championships held at Doral in the past 49 years have been decided by one stroke. Tiger Woods won 3 times here. Only two other venues—Augusta National (The Masters since 1934) and Colonial Country Club (since 1946) have continuously hosted PGA Tournaments longer than Doral.
It’s outrageously challenging. The TPC Blue Monster’s hazards are everywhere—water runs alongside or weaves through several holes. The most famous hole is the 18th, ranked by Golf Magazine as one of the “Top 100 Holes in the World.” Water runs the length of the left side, Bermuda rough and palms lure balls on the right.
It’s ideally located. If I get a yen to party, Miami’s South Beach is a taxi ride away. But I seldom venture very far. There’s no need to. Doral Golf Resort & Spa, A Marriott Resort is on 650 tropical acres, with a recently renovated spa, Jim McLean Golf School, shops, restaurants and the famous Blue Lagoon Pool, a big plus for golfers with kids in tow.
Unique Dining Options. Mesazul Steakhouse and the lively Bossa Nova Lounge are contemporary Latin-inspired spins on a classic American steakhouse and lounge. Offerings include tapas-style small plates such as shrimp ceviche, chorizo sausage and manchego cheese skewers to heartier steaks and chops. Check out the floor-to-ceiling climate-controlled glass wine vault housing 200 wines.
Even while dining the golf course isn’t very far away thanks to huge windows offering unobstructed panoramic views of The TPC Blue Monster.
Doral Golf Resort & Spa, A Marriott Resort has family packages beginning at $139 a night and golf packages beginning at $119 per person per night. It’s a great way to play the stylish courses played by the pros at a fraction of the cost.
Saving money. Now that’s my style!
Doral Golf Resort & Spa
http://www.doralresort.com
1-800 71-DORAL
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