The long and short of it, YES, The Cradle Course is a must play for all golfers venturing to Pinehurst Resort. In fact, it's also a great spot for golfers heading to the area yet not staying at the resort itself - tee times can be booked 24-hours in advance for non-guests. Although I have not personally played it, the pictures tell me everything I need to know, and quite honestly, I can't think of a better way of finishing off a day of golf with your buddies than having some fun on the short course.

I often get this question . . . "We're planning a buddies golf vacation and never been to Scottsdale - Why should we go there over other places?" A great question, and one that I enjoy answering and talking about. I enjoy it simply because I absolutely love playing golf in the Scottsdale-Phoenix area. The region is littered with great golf courses. The downfall, you simple cannot fit them all into one golf vacation!

After having the pleasure of playing Pinehurst No. 2 a couple of weeks ago, albeit a less than stellar round of golf on my part, I have a few simple tips that will make the experience that much better for golfers of any skill level.

I was first introduced to North Berwick a few years back on our Scotland golf vacation, and to this day remains one of the most fun I've ever had playing golf. The West Links at North Berwick, and Royal Dornoch Golf Club top my personal favorites list.

During my years of traveling a boatload for business and pleasure, I have along the way come up with some pretty simple, yet efficient ways to make the overall travel experience all the better. Some of which are so simple that it's difficult to believe that people don't do it all the time. But I guess that is where the experience comes in.

Unfortunately, the cold winter months are fast approaching. So it's a perfect time to start brainstorming some ideas for you and your buddies for the perfect "Get the Heck out of the Cold & Snow" winter golf package.

For the average or normal golf-enthusiast, when hearing 'Pebble Beach', they would obviously know exactly what is being talked about. Stating the obvious, of course. Heck, it's even safe to say that non-golfers know exactly what you are talking, but when you say 'Pasatiempo Golf Club', even some of the most avid golfers and traveling golfers don't know what and/or where it is.

After spending 12 days and playing 18 rounds of golf in Scotland a few years back, essentially hitting the entire country for golf and experiencing several different weather conditions, I have a pretty good (real good) handle on some great travel tips. Some may be obvious, while some may surprise more than anything.