Travel Insider: Grand Slam, free golf in Whistler

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Pete Dye course at French Lick is one seven "linked links." Photo courtesy of Pete Dye Golf Trail.

Aug. 8, 2011
By Tom Cunneff, LINKS Magazine staff

Each week, LINKS Magazine will provide travel news and notes. For more information from LINKS Magazine, please visit the official website.

TRAVEL INSIDER:

Pete Dye Golf Trail: First came the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama, now comes the Pete Dye Golf Trail in Indiana, his home state. From an idea by Governor Mitch Daniels, the legendary octogenarian selected seven of the 20 courses he's designed in the state - more than anywhere else - to serve as the linked links, from Mystic Hills in the north to the Pete Dye course at French Lick (pictured) in the south. Other courses include Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex's Kampen course at Purdue University and Brickyard Crossing, which has four holes located inside the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

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Grand Slam of Golf: The Grand Slam of Golf in Bermuda in mid-October is great time to visit this British outpost. Not only do you get to see this year's four major champions up close at Port Royal Golf Course, you get to play some terrific golf, too. The Fairmont Southampton is offering three to five night ticket packages from $615 to $1,170 per person double occupancy that includes rounds on its own par-3 course, Riddell's Bay, and/or Belmont Hill. Also offering a Grand Slam package is Elbow Beach, a boutique resort of 98 garden guestrooms and suites. Its "Inside the Ropes" deal for two ($6,840) includes four nights in an ocean-front room, a private reception with the players, VIP tent access, and a round of golf for two on Port Royal.

Four Seasons Whistler: You usually don't see the words "free" and "Four Seasons" in the same sentence, but Canada's only AAA Five Diamond Resort, Four Seasons Whistler, just north of Vancouver, is offering 36 holes of free golf per day - a $200 savings - at Nicklaus North Golf Course. You can give one of the rounds to a friend or use both and play twice. And for just $50, guests can play the Arnold Palmer-designed Whistler Golf Club or the Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Rates start at $395 CAD a night.

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Long Weekend: Atlanta
This week's PGA Championship puts the focus on this vibrant Southern city that is an ideal destination for a golf getaway

WHERE TO PLAY

Bear's Best Atlanta: Some of the homage holes are Muirfield Village's 12th and the 15th from the Champion course at PGA National.

Chateau Elan: Located north of Atlanta, the resort has two courses (and a nine-holer), perfect for day trips or an overnight stay.

Stone Mountain Golf Club: If you have time for only one round, play Lakemont, set on the lake with views of the Confederate Memorial Carving.

WHERE TO STAY

Chateau Elan: The resort might be 40 minutes outside the city, but you'll feel as though you've been transplanted into the French countryside.

Glenn Hotel: This downtown property is on the edge of the hip Luckie Marietta District and is perfect for both business and entertainment.

Mansion on Peachtree: Designed by Robert A.M. Stern, this 127-room boutique hotel is in the heart of trendy Buckhead's shopping and restaurants.

WHERE TO EAT

Parish: Don't miss the New Orleans-inspired brunch on weekends at this eatery specializing in Creole and Cajun dishes with a Georgian twist.

Restaurant Eugene: Atlanta native Linton Hopkins' traditional Southern dishes like fried chicken and Georgia trout are infused with an international flair.

Woodfire Grill: Executive chef Kevin Gillespie, a star of last season's reality series Top Chef, frequents local farms for seasonal offerings like Bobwhite quail.