Poker Golf Travel Ideas
Tour with the WPT
By Todd Wolff
A lot of the major casinos are offering discounts to golf courses nowadays as they try to make the casino experience more than just about a luxurious stay at their hotels and gambling. This is part of their efforts to stay above water as the casinos are seeing less visitors each year. In 2011, the LA times reported that even the prolific tribal owned casinos saw a 5% decline in numbers - a $400 million loss. Since then, the casinos have considered tie ups with other industries, including golf. Poker is one of the best selling points of any casino and when prestigious competitions like the World Poker Tour is looking for venues, you can be sure they have great discounts for the golf courses within the vicinity. Let's go on a tour with the WPT and take a look at some of the golf courses included in their stops:
The Thunder Valley Casino Resort
Thunder Valley is currently tied up with Rocklin's Whitney Oaks Golf Club, located in scenic Sierra Nevada foothills and a brief 15 minute drive from Thunder Valley. The golf course has 18 holes and has a majestic backdrop of live oaks and has an abundance of meticulously placed bunkers and large outcroppings of granite. It also has a practice facility that includes a 15-station practice range, a practice putting green and pitching area. The WPT is set to visit Lincoln, California on March 15-19, so be sure to ask for any special deals during that time.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
The WPT will be here from April 10 to 16 for the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown, which will be shown live on TV. The hotel and casino also offer accommodation and golf packages, depending on your needs. You should definitely look for any package that has Hunter's Green Country Club. A championship golf course designed by Tom Fazio, one of the most notable golf course designer and architect of our time. The course was carved out of the pine flatwoods and wetlands, making it both picture perfect and challenging at the same time.
The Borgata
As host of the WPT's main event, this is where it all began and where it will end. The last leg of the poker tournament will be on April 21 to 26 with Vince Patten and Partypoker's Mike Sexton as commentators for the live broadcast and YouTube feed. The closest golf course near the Borgata is The Links at Brigantine Beach with a distance of about 5 miles. Built in 1927 with Scottish links design by Wayne Stiles and John Van Kleek, it is said that professionals practiced here before sailing for the British Open. A fitting last destination to your poker golf tour.
Revised: 03/07/2014 - Article Viewed 32,087 Times
About: Todd Wolff
Todd Wolff is a well traveled freelance writer on golf, beer and travel. In 2005, Todd joined GolfTrips.com as the first contributor. When he is not on the links, Todd is brewing his legendary craft beers. In addition, to golf writing he is a world renowned graphic artist who has won numerous industry awards in logo design and product packaging.
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