John Jacobs Golf Schools
Scottsdale
(800) 511-1639
www.jacobsgolf.com |
_ÊA
 Golf in Ireland, obviously, has existed for quite some time, and it continues to flourish in a pure state. Walking is the preferred mode of transportation; scores are more often measured by Stapleford scoring and matches than stoke play. Par is relative to the wind and weather conditions of the day, not the number on the card. Here, traditions are revered and respected. Unfortunately, most visiting golfers don’t spend enough time in one place to get to know the area’s history let alone its unique flavor. Rather than spending all your time driving from one area of a country to the other, only playing the big name courses, we recommend that instead, be it your first time or not, pick one area and play a variety of the courses—inland and links—trophy and hidden gems, for a real once-in-a lifetime experience. Slow down your trip, meet some locals, learn the history of the area and the courses, discover the perfect pub and become a regular for the week, even play your favorite course twice.
No matter where your dream itinerary takes you on the Emerald Isle, the best advice is not to delay a trip over the Pond for any reason (even the unfavorable current exchange rate), but especially not because you couldn’t secure an advanced time at Ballybunion. Just go as soon as possible and begin to explore the hundreds of courses and meet some locals who may become lifelong friends, both of which will give you a new perspective on your game.
There a number of fabulous golf resorts with distinctive personalities, many converted from castles and manor houses and with great on-site golf. Unlike the U.S., many private golf clubs allow outside play during certain days of the week, so that you can also stay in accommodations without on-site golf as well. One major advantage of booking into a golf resort is being able to schedule weekend tee times when many of the clubs have “members’ only” play and competitions. Check the links in this article for some of the best full-service golf resorts in Ireland with on-site golf that make perfect bases from which to explore the other courses of the area.
What To Bring
When traveling to Ireland in March or July, think layers. Temperatures are milder than one might expect in early spring and late fall, and may be cooler than one expects in the dead of summer. Rain will occur, but unlike wet weather in the U.S., precipitation is never extreme enough to cancel out rounds. In fact, if you are prepared, playing in the rain can be an enjoyable experience.
Essential items to pack:
_Ê_Ê 1. A great rain suit, two pairs of rain gloves (nothing improves playing in the rain than the ability to grip the club)
_Ê_Ê 2. Two pairs of golf shoes (both should be well worn in—you will be walking and this is no place for new shoes)
_Ê_Ê 3. A few sweaters (you’ll buy at least one trophy logo sweater there) and a pair of warm golf gloves (even in summer)
_Ê_Ê 4. A blazer and tie (some clubs have a dress code for lunch and in the better resorts & restaurants coat and tie are the preferred uniform for dinner)
_Ê_Ê 5. A letter of introduction from your club pro and your USGA handicap card (especially if you did not book through a tour operator)
_Ê_Ê 6. A low lofted driver for the wind, a lob wedge for bunker play, a Gustbuster umbrella that lets the wind through and, believe it or not, good sunscreen—it does get very sunny and it also helps with windburn.
Things to leave home:
_Ê_Ê 1. Your staff bag (you or your caddy will be walking)
_Ê_Ê 2. Hard-sided golf club cases (cars in the Ireland are small—think Geo Metro)
_Ê_Ê 3. Shorts (even when the temperature reaches 80, they are frowned upon at most top-end clubs)
_Ê_Ê 4. Your cell phone (the most economical way to go is to buy an inexpensive cell phone at the airport shop, or local store, and pay as you talk—it’s worth it to schedule dinner reservations, and call ahead for added tee times and hotel direction)
_Ê_Ê 5. Your idea you will be playing from “the tips”—here, championship tees are just that
_Ê_Ê
More Information
Tourism Ireland
Northern Ireland and Ireland have recently combined their tourism efforts to take one of the world’s best tourist boards in golf to a whole new level.
www.tourismireland.com.
Cork Kerry Tourism
www.corkkerry.ie
Ireland West
www.irelandwest.ie
Tour Operators
These are the best of the best when it comes to arranging the perfect golf vacation to the Emerald Isle.
Irish Links Tours & Travel
www.irish-links.com
(800) 824-6538
Haversham & Baker Golfing Expeditions
www.haversham.com
(800) U-TEE-OFF
PerryGolf
www.perrygolf.com
(800) 344-5257
Traveling the Fairways
www.ttfgolf.com
(800) 414-8519
Jerry Quinlan’s Celtic Golf
www.celticgolf.com
(800) 535-6148
Ireland Must-Plays
Ireland has many magnificent courses; it has even been said, “the best courses in Scotland are located in Ireland.” However, unlike Scotland, and to a certain extent England, the championship courses of Ireland are not tightly bunched together, and the roads are meant for leisurely journeys admiring the scenery, not races between tee times.
Western Ireland
www.westcoastlinks.com
The collection courses on the west coast of Ireland may be the most hauntingly beautiful layouts found anywhere on the planet. They are unspoiled and somewhat undiscovered due to their remote location, but more than worth the effort. They are also well suited to combine with either a west coast Scotland itinerary by ferry or with the Northern Ireland courses in an itinerary from Shannon to Dublin around the top of the Emerald Isle.
Southwest and South Ireland Ballybunion Old is getting as difficult to score a tee time on as the Old Course at St. Andrews, so plan ahead and good tour operators can assist getting guaranteed tee times there as well as at popular Old Head and Doonbeg. Be sure to sprinkle in some lesser-known gems as you pick off your “must plays.”
Dublin Area Dublin is Europe’s new “It” city. It has everything—hotels, music, art, shopping, history and free-flowing Guinness in the many colorful pubs, which are now nonsmoking. It also is surrounded by some of the world’s best golf.
Northern Ireland Northern Ireland offers some of the most serene and beautiful golf experiences and is home to two of the World’s Top 100, Royal Portrush and Royal County Down. www.westcoastlinks.com
Where To Stay_Ê _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê In addition to the locations featured under “Where To Play,” consider these outstanding accommodations when traveling to Ireland.
| _Ê |
| Where To Stay |
_Ê |
_Ê |
Aghadoe Heights Hotel
Lakes of Killarney, Co. Kerry
This small independently owned, immaculately presented hotel is winning awards faster than Annika wins majors. Located in the Lakes of Killarney, it is fast becoming a favorite of golfers to Ireland who appreciate fine lodging as much as their championship golf. www.aghadoeheights.com |
Butler Arms Hotel
Waterville, Co. Kerry
This family-owned hotel in the Ring of Kerry, is the perfect base from which to discover the great golf of Ireland’s southwest. The charming town of Waterville and its famous links course are both just minutes away.
www.butlerarms.com |
Sheen Falls Lodge
Kenmare, Co. Kerry
Only 30 minutes from the lively town of Killarney is the tranquil haven of Sheen Falls Lodge. This five-star retreat is the ultimate in country comfort and luxury with a world-class spa.
www.sheenfallslodge.ie |
|
Killarney
Killarney, Co. Kerry
There are two fantastic options in Killarney, the Killarney Park Hotel (www.killarneyparkhotel.ie) or the Killarney Royal Hotel (www.killarneyroyal.ie). Both offer exceptional service and cater to golfers who especially appreciate the spa facilities. |
Glenlo Abbey Hotel
Galway, Co. Galway
One of Ireland’s most exclusive 5-star hotels is located in the vibrant city of Galway, gateway to the spectacular links courses of the northwest. There is a resident pro on site, as well as a double-green 9-hole lakeside golf course, but you’ll stay here for the fabulous service and luxurious accommodations.
www.glenlo.com_Ê |
Hayfield Manor
Cork, Co. Cork
This small luxury hotel is located only a mile from the center of Ireland’s third-largest city, Cork, and yet it is a convenient base for Old Head and Fota Island.
www.hayfieldmanor.com |
|
The Merrion Hotel
Dublin
One way to sample the best that Ireland has to offer is to stay in central Dublin at the five-star Merrion Hotel and travel out to play the many close-by championship courses.
www.merrionhotel.com |
_ÊMoy House
Lahinch, Co. Clare
This small charming country-house hotel sits on 15 acres overlooking Lahinch Bay. www.moyhouse.com |
_ÊThe Bushmills Inn
Bushmills, Co. Antrim, N. Ireland
Originally an old coaching inn, The Bushmills Inn has been faithfully restored into a wonderful comfortable hotel. The town is home to the world’s oldest distillery, and Royal Portrush is the closest of several championship courses.
www.bushmills-inn.com |
|
Slieve Donard Hotel
Newcastle, Co. Down, N. Ireland
Perhaps the most recognizable scene in all of Irish golf is the view back down the ninth fairway at Royal County Down looking back toward the Mountains of Mourne. And if you look closely at the picture, you will see the spire of the recently renovated Slieve Donard Hotel.
www.hastingshotels.com |
_Ê |
_Ê |
|
 Only 12 miles long and five miles wide, Hilton Head is a maritime jewel off the southernmost coast of South Carolina, about 40 miles northwest of Savannah, Ga. Remarkably, golf wasn’t introduced to this thickly forested barrier island until 1956 when the first course, the Ocean Course, opened. The course is in Sea Pines Resort, a 5,500-acre residential and recreational development pioneered by Charles Fraser, son of a timber magnate, who’s heralded as modern Hilton Head’s founding father.
Sea Pines Resort is a model of wise planning in a spectacular natural setting. Clean roads snake through a lush forest of pines and hardwoods that drape like huge umbrellas over widely spaced luxury homes and condominium rental complexes. The resort includes Harbour Town, a village of restaurants, shops and a circular yacht basin.
Sea Pines also has a large tennis complex and four other golf courses, led by world-famous Harbour Town Golf Links, home of the PGA Tour’s MCI Heritage, which is held every year right after The Masters. Created by Pete Dye with Jack Nicklaus consulting and opened in 1969, the course is a favorite among Tour professionals. The Heritage is the single biggest event on the Hilton Head calendar and a major draw for tourism.
Towering directly over Harbour Town is a 200-foot-tall, candy-striped lighthouse, the island’s most visible landmark. Visitors climbing to the top of the lighthouse are rewarded with a spectacular view of Calibogue Sound to the south and west and Harbour Town Golf Links’ signature finishing hole.
Just to the southwest is Daufuskie, a sparsely populated island popularized by Pat Conroy in his novel The Water Is Wide. Accessible by ferry or private helicopter, Daufuskie reflects a bygone era of the Old South. There are no traffic lights on the island, but it does have three of the best golf courses in the Hilton Head area. These include two courses at the Daufuskie Island Resort by Jack Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf/Jay Morrish, and Haig Point, a private Rees Jones product.
Hilton Head is warmed by the Gulf Stream. It has an average temperature of 70 degrees F that assures a year-round golf season. Plus, there’s no shortage of things to do on Hilton Head. The island has more than 200 stores, some of which are at Shelter Cove, the island’s lone shopping mall. There are over 250 restaurants on the island serving every type of cuisine, especially seafood fresh off the boat.
In addition to nature and boat tours, biking is very popular on miles of trails and the hard-packed sand beaches. Visitors to Hilton Head and its environs quickly notice the absence of billboards and other intrusive features of modern commercialism. Hilton Head’s nightlife is somewhat tame, for sure, as it’s primarily a family destination. And though a couple of popular dance spots and sports bars are sprinkled throughout the island, Hilton Head is designed to offer a respite from a frenzied world.
Golf Tips Selects Hilton Head Island’s Best Places To Play
Hilton Head proper is made up primarily of plantation-style communities. Some have resorts and all have private homes. In addition to Sea Pines, these include Palmetto Dunes, with three fine golf courses and two hotels, the Marriott Beach and Golf Resort and the Hilton Oceanfront Resort. Also, Port Royal Plantation includes the Westin Resort and three courses, which are ideally suited for casual resort play and outings. Hilton Head Plantation doesn’t have a resort hotel, but boasts one private and three semiprivate courses, including the Country Club of Hilton Head and Oyster Reef, both Rees Jones creations.
Indigo Run has a public and private course, both signature Jack Nicklaus designs. Palmetto Hall Plantation has an Arthur Hills course, one of the best on the island, and a course configured entirely on computer by Robert Cupp. For all its quirky geometrical features, including triangle-shaped bunkers, this is a fine, scenic test of golf.
Popular courses off the island include Old South in Bluffton, a marsh-dominated venue designed by Clyde Johnston. Closer to the island bridge is another Johnston offering, Old Carolina, built on a former horse farm. If you have the connections, two private clubs are worth using your reciprocal: Long Cove and Colleton River Plantation. Both feature outrageous Jack Nicklaus designs.
Accessible by ferry or private helicopter, Daufuskie reflects a bygone era of the Old South. There are no traffic lights or grocery stores on the island, but it does have three of the best golf courses in the Hilton Head area. These include Nicklaus and Weiskopf courses at the Daufuskie Island Resort, and Haig Point, a private Rees Jones product.
_Ê _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê
 Top 5 Hidden Gems
1. Oyster Reef
_ÊWhen this Rees Jones effort opened in 1982, it found a place in the Top 25 New Courses in America list.
2. Golden Bear Golf Club
A challenging and enjoyable test from Jack Nicklaus at Indigo Run.
3. Ocean Course at Sea Pines
A redesign by Mark McCumber brought the tradition back to Hilton Head’s first course.
4. Robert Cupp Course at Palmetto Hall
Though sometimes overshadowed by the Arthur Hills Course, the Cupp is unique in that its namesake architect plotted the full 18 on computer.
5. Crescent Pointe
Outside Hilton Head in Bluffton sits an excellent Arnold Palmer design that’s rapidly gaining popularity.
_Ê _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê
 Top 5 Hidden Challenges
1. Harbour Town
This Jack Nicklaus/Pete Dye masterpiece changed golf architecture forever. It will change your index, too (in the up direction).
2. Arthur Hills Course at Palmetto Dunes
Considered the best of the three excellent tracks at Palmetto Dunes.
3. Arthur Hills Course at Palmetto Hall
You won’t mind the demands Mr. Hills places on your game in such a spectacular setting.
4. The Fazio Course at Palmetto Dunes
Features only two par-5s and a string of long, challenging par-4s.
5. Long Cove
It’s considered the best layout on the Island–the challenge is getting on this ultra-private course.
_Ê _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê
 Top 5 Hidden Experiences
1. Harbour Town
There’s nothing like following in the footsteps of champions, especially on a finishing stretch like this.
2. Ocean Course at Sea Pines
A classic course that reminds you what island life is all about.
3. Bloody Point
Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mungen River on Daufuskie Island, this Weiskopf/Morrish effort never lets up in terms of challenge and aesthetics.
4. Sea Marsh
An excellent Clyde Johnston renovation of a George Cupp keeper features a blend of challenge, playability and beauty.
5. Colleton River Plantation
Both the Jack Nicklaus and Pete Dye courses at this private resort are in the most respected Top 100 lists.
_Ê _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê  Top 5 Player-Friendly Courses 1. Robert Trent Jones Course At Palmetto Dunes Palmetto Dune’s 11-mile lagoon system comes into play often, and at 7,000+ yards from the back tees, you’ll have your hands full. Play it forward and enjoy a great round on a world-class golf course. 2. Old South A sweet Clyde Johnston design that flows with–rather than cutting through–existing forests and marsh. 3. The Barony at Port Royal If your game is more about accuracy than length, then George Cupp’s timeless design will leave you smiling all the way. 4. Hampton Hall Whether you play it forward at 5,300 yards or all the way back at 7,500 yards, your time at Hampton Hall will be richly rewarded by this fun and challenging Pete Dye design. 5. Eagles Point Perennial MCI Heritage contender (and oftentimes winner) Davis Love III created a beauty at Eagles Point, a course that allows you to get wild with the driver. Be careful with your irons, however–Eagles Point will penalize an errant approach.
 The lure of the Caribbean islands is strong. Prospects of warm weather and a needed respite from the perils of modern living make the region a fine escape. Pair that with a geography exceedingly tropical and seemingly remote, despite the fact that the islands can be reached via a twin prop from most Eastern cities, and you have a bona fide vacation winner. Now, throw in golf far better than most people have ever imagined, and you have the incentive to start packing immediately, especially if your itinerary includes Jamaica, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas.
Golf in Jamaica, the Bahamas and Puerto Rico is rich, dating back several decades. Although the somewhat gentrified nature of the game clashes a bit with the nations’ island culture, it is nonetheless embraced and respected. In fact, you can sense the pride each country has for its golf facilities, from the caddies to the locals in the grillroom interested in knowing how you fared. For purists, the Caribbean is a true golf treat.
Jamaica
For years, golf in Jamaica was synonymous with Tryall and Half Moon Bay, two privately run resorts on the island’s northwest shore. Visitors to Tryall or Half Moon were treated to the luxurious elegance befitting their English landowner heritage, with accommodations ranging from suites to large homes complete with full-service staff. That continues today, but with a recent modernization of golf that should bring them back to prominence. The Tryall layout plays over the remains of a former coconut grove, and features some relatively dramatic change in elevation, given its seaside locale. It’s a shotmaker’s course that doesn’t disappoint. Half Moon Bay is relatively flat, but is surprisingly long. Wide fairways make it an easier challenge than its 7,115 yards would indicate, although the constant breeze presents a challenge. You’ll need a caddy as your 15th club.
The old-world elegance of Tryall and Half Moon Bay is augmented by the pure elegance found just outside Montego Bay at the Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall. The 428-room Ritz has as its centerpiece the Robert von Hagge-designed White Witch, a course named after the 19th-century sugar plantation owner who, legend has it, abused her slaves and murdered three husbands. The name is apt, as the White Witch can seemingly make balls disappear and putts break in every direction. There’s no sugar coating the fact that the Witch is a test, but the views are worth the challenge, even if you lose. Ocean vistas on no less than 16 holes and from the magnificent clubhouse are free with every greens fee.
A fantastic course that features some of the spine-tingling chills of the White Witch and the recreational playability of Tryall and Half Moon is Cinnamon Hill, at Wyndham Rose Hall. Recently upgraded by von Hagge, Cinnamon Hill is one of the most varied golf courses you’ll ever play. For a stretch, the course hugs the sea so tightly, there are a few opportunities to lose your ball in the island’s biggest water hazard. For another spell, the course winds up and down through the foothills, then blows straight into the jungle until Nos. 17 and 18 run you through the remains of an old sugar mill back to the safety of the clubhouse. It’s a must-play track full of character and the spice you’d expect from a Caribbean locale.
Bahamas
There are over 700 islands that comprise the Bahamas. For golfers, consider only three: Grand Bahama Island, New Providence and Great Exuma, home to a new Four Seasons Resort and a Greg Norman-designed stunner that’s garnering rave reviews.
On GBI rests the sleepy town of Freeport, home to three Joe Lee-designed courses from the 1960s during what could be considered the island’s heyday. A recent multimillion dollar investment in the town signals the onset of another, spear-headed by Our Lucaya Beach & Golf Resort. This stunning property houses over 1,000 guest rooms, yet is surprisingly homey. Furthermore, it can call its own what was the first new course in the Bahamas in over 30 years, when construction on the Robert Trent Jones Jr. Reef Course was completed in 2000. The Reef is noteworthy in that it’s a links-style layout nearly devoid of trees. Jones allows the opportunity to play several different types of shots into the greens, placing emphasis on the short game rather than length off the tee. For a more tropical round, consider Our Lucaya’s second 18, the original Lucayan Course. This Joe Lee design from 1964 gets better every year, with a dizzying array of doglegs cut through lush tropical foliage. It’s the best course you’ve never heard of.
What you probably have heard of is what’s happening on Paradise Island, a small stretch of island connected by a land bridge to Nassau on New Providence. The Atlantis mega-resort is there, as in a Tom Weiskopf redesign of a classic Joe Lee course at the recently renovated Ocean Club. Built in the 1960s, the resort is amazing, and the course is no less spectacular. Excess foliage was removed to provide more ocean views and the room to build several seaside tee boxes. Like most Oceanside layouts, water and wind are the main obstacles to scoring. Get on while it’s still open to Atlantis guests.
Puerto Rico
Watch out for Puerto Rico on the golf destination radar. Already known as an excellent vacation spot, with 15 established resorts featuring world-class golf, a solid half-dozen more are in the works. To keep up with new course openings, visit www.gotopuertorico.com.
Of course, the new kids on the island will have a tough time one-upping what’s already laid out on Puerto Rico, including the Wyndham El Conquistador Resort and its dramatic Arthur Hills design, and the Embassy Suites Dorado del Mar Beach & Golf Resort, home to a course designed by Puerto Rico’s favorite golfing son, Chi Chi Rodriguez. They’ll have even more trouble replacing what has defined Puerto Rican golf for nearly 50 years _â__Ò Hyatt Dorado Beach. Once the personal playground of Laurence Rockefeller, Dorado Beach, which sits on 1,000 stunning oceanfront acres about 20 miles from San Juan, oozes class. The two Robert Trent Jones courses (paired by two others at the Hyatt’s sister property in Cerromar Beach) have recently received renovation by Raymond Floyd, who attempted to make the course a stiffer challenge, considering recent advancements in equipment. Nonetheless, classic Jones hallmarks such as runway tee boxes and strategically placed fairway bunkers remain. The West course at Dorado Beach is an ingenious layout. Jones positioned fairways so that the player must hit into each point on the compass, challenging even the most skilled golfer to reckon with the prevailing wind direction on every hole. The East course, like all the Hyatt 18s, is lush with gentle drops and rises in elevation. The calling card of the East is the par-5 4th, which Jack Nicklaus has called one of the world’s toughest holes. The double-dogleg fairway forces the aggressive player to hit two shots over water to hit the green in two. The approach plays straight toward the beach. If any of the new holes on Puerto Rico are as good as this, golf travelers are in for a real treat.
When To Go
The Caribbean has a tropical climate with two rainy seasons, from May to June and September to November. Also, hurricanes tend to occur between June and September, though they rarely have a serious effect on vacationers in the region. Typically there is little variation in temperature year round, but the period between December and April is the best for golfers, with an average temperature that ranges between the high 60s and low 90s. According to locals, the periodic rains that come at this time are a welcome source of refreshment that don’t last very long or seriously interfere with the many outdoor activities available in the region.
What To Bring
The Caribbean has many top-notch golf courses to choose from, but be aware that it is the tropics, and it does rain from time to time. To be prepared, you won’t need the thermal rain suit you took to Ireland, but you should bring a decent umbrella and some type of light rain jacket. Since the temperature rarely drops much below 70 degrees, you can feel pretty safe leaving your wool sweaters, rain gloves and warm socks at home. If you have lightweight golf shoes or golf sandals, bring them. Golf in the Caribbean is not a formal production.
Along with your normal golf gear (clubs, bag, etc.), be sure to bring a couple of hats to protect you from the sun, and plenty of sunblock. In addition, it’s not a bad idea to throw some mosquito repellent in your golf bag, along with some extra golf balls. The tropics feature some beautiful, lush jungle, much of which could be adjacent to the golf courses you’ll be playing, and unless you’re Tarzan, you’ll probably want to re-tee from time to time.
How To Get There
Air service is available to Caribbean destinations from most major cities in the U.S. and Canada. Consult your favorite air carrier for rates.
More Information
For a complete source for Caribbean travel and vacation information, visit www.caribbean-on-line.com. Places to stay, play golf, other activities as well as vacation packages are all covered here.
The Jamaica Golf Association’s Website provides comprehensive information on golf in Jamaica and the Caribbean. It also covers current local news on what’s happening in golf in Jamaica, tournament schedules, golf package deals and special events.
Information on vacation golf packages, as well as insights into the many fine golf courses in Puerto Rico can be found at www.gotopuertorico.com. Tips on nightlife, business facilities, local color and historical info can also be found here.
The official tourism Website of the Islands of the Bahamas, www.bahamas.com provides links and info on a variety of golf courses in the area, as well as hotel packages, local sites, attractions and other activities.
Where To Play
| GT Selects |
_Ê |
Tryall
Montego Bay, Jamaica
 One of the most celebrated courses in the Caribbean, Tryall Club features holes that skirt the water and the jungle. Designed by Ralph Plummer, Tryall’s 18-hole, par-72 championship course has been host to the prestigious Johnnie Walker World Championship on a number of occasions. Noteworthy holes include the par-3 4th that incorporates the natural challenges of the Caribbean Sea and Flint River, and the par-4 7th, which provides a dramatic tee-shot through the stone pillars of a historic aqueduct.
Par 72, 6772 yards (72.5/133)
(Ralph Plummer)
(800) 238-5290
www.tryallclub.com |
Half Moon Golf Club
Montego Bay, Jamaica
 This classic Robert Trent Jones Sr. course is sculpted out of the foothills of the western Jamaican coastline, and has an international reputation for being challenging and breathtaking. A member of Jack Nicklaus’ “Great Golf Resorts of the World,” Half Moon has hosted a number of prestigious tournaments including the Jamaica Open Golf Championship, the Dunhill Cup Final of the Americas, and the Red Stripe Pro-Am. With 7,119 yards of difficult driving areas, plenty of bunkering and undulating greens, this course puts up a challenge. Among its memorable holes are the 535-yard third hole and the relatively short, 362-yard fourth hole.
Par 72, 6700 yards (73.7/127)
(Robert Trent Jones Sr.)
(866) 648-6951
www.halfmoon-resort.com |
|
The White Witch
Montego Bay, Jamaica
 Winding through the mountains of Jamaica’s historic 4,000-acre Rose Hall Plantation, The White Witch golf course is carved out of 600 acres of lush greenery and rolling countryside that features panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea from 16 of its 18 holes. Conveniently located just ten minutes from the Ritz-Carlton Golf and Spa Resort.
Par 71, 6718 yards (74.0/139)
(von Hagge, Smelek and Baril)
(876) 518-0174
www.ritzcarlton.com |
Cinnamon Hill
Montego Bay, Jamaica
 Cinnamon Hill Ocean Course, located at Wyndham Rose Hall Resort and Country Club, offers a variety of mountain, island and ocean views. Cinnamon Hill is situated on what used to be a 400-acre sugar plantation, and remnants of the area’s history, such as inlaid stone walls and sugar mill plantation ruins, are sprinkled throughout the mountains and valleys. Stretching from Jamaica’s lush Blue Mountains out to the coast, Cinnamon Hill offers nearly 7,000 yards of greens and tees suited to players of all skill levels.
Par 71, 6637 yards (72.4/133)
(von Hagge, Baril)
(876) 953-2650, x89
www.wyndham.com |
|
Our Lucaya – The Lucayan Course
Bahamas
 The Lucayan Course pits your golf skills against Dick Wilson’s design and the natural wonders of Grand Bahama Island. Testing precision rather than distance, with doglegs, elevated greens and thick stands of tropical foliage, The Lucayan is a good test for any level of player. The tall trees give shade from the sun and other players on the course. With wide target areas off the tee and well-protected, elevated greens, it’s a great place to enjoy a leisurely round. Built in 1962, The Lucayan Course is an Audubon-affiliated member of the USGA and The Metropolitan Golf Association.
Par 72, 6821 yards, (72.1/128)
(Dick Wilson)
(877) OURLUCAYA
www.ourlucaya.com |
Ocean Club
Paradise Island, Bahamas
 This 18-hole, par 72 championship course is designed by Tom Weiskopf and operated by Troon Golf. Weiskopf’s PGA course features meticulous seaside green and tee settings, alternating fairways and breathtaking signature holes stretched over 7,100 yards. An on-site Pro Shop, teaching pro and Clubhouse complement this remarkable golfing experience. Tee times can be reserved 60 days in advance of the requested day of play and will be held with the authorization of a major credit card.
Par 72, 7100 yards (75.6/140)
(Tom Weiskopf)
(242) 363-6682
www.oneandonlyresorts.com |
| GT Selects (cont.) |
_Ê |
Wyndham El Conquistador Resort and Golden Door Spa G.C.
Puerto Rico
 Arthur Hills designed this course to be challenging, player-friendly and aesthetically pleasing, all at the same time. The course’s picturesque but daunting hills and bunkers are tamed by strategically placed openings. Other features include elevation changes of more than 200 feet, rare for a Caribbean golf course, and prevailing trade winds that add a touch of uncertainty to each round. The fairways are dotted with palm trees and are impeccably manicured and surrounded by lush flora and fauna. In addition, the 9th and 18th holes share a common green, with a striking waterfall located nearby. The El Yunque rain forest to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the north add to the beauty of this top-notch track.
Par 72, 6746 yards (73.1/134)
(Arthur Hills)
(888) TroonUS
www.troongolf.com |
Teeth of the Dog
Casa de Campo,  Dominican Republic
Long considered the class of the Caribbean, The Teeth of the Dog, designed by Pete Dye, stretches to over 6,900 yards through citrus and coconut palm trees and along the rocky coastline. The golf course features seven ocean holes, each scenic enough to grace the cover of any golf publication. Flanked by the sea on one side, the front-nine ocean holes come back toward the clubhouse after the signature 5th hole, a short par-3 that requires a carry over the rocks and beach. Wayward shots are generally unwelcome here, particularly on the back nine, where plentiful sand, water and trees can wreak havoc on your score. While railroad ties are rare, all other Dye trademark hazards are omnipresent, including two holes where players are required to drive across the runway of the local airport.
Par 72, 6941 yards (74.1/140)
(Pete Dye)
(800) 877-3643
www.teethofthedog.com |
|
Sandy Lane Golf Club
St. James, Barbados
 This 7,060-yard, Par 72 golf course features lush greens, five lakes and relatively open fairways with angled slopes. Most holes offer impressive Caribbean Sea views, and are shared with the famous Bajan Green Monkeys, which live in the gullies in and around the grounds. The course is comprised of 5 par threes, 8 par fours, and 5 par fives. Also soon to be available at Sandy Lane is the new, championship-style Green Monkey Course designed by Tom Fazio. Carved out of a former quarry, the new course is said to boast dramatic elevation changes and views of the Caribbean.
Par 72, 7060 yards (74.7/140)
(Tom Fazio)
1+(246) 444-2000
www.sandylane.com |
Tierra Del Sol
Aruba
 Designed by Robert Trent Jones II, Tierra del Sol, situated on the scenic northwest point of Aruba, is the only 18-hole championship golf course on the island. Conveniently located just 5 to 10 minutes by taxi from all the major resorts, this free-standing facility is accessible to guests staying at any resort. Tierra del Sol includes a full-length practice range, putting greens, chipping areas, an impressive clubhouse with golf shop, restaurant and swimming pool. In addition, each of Tierra del Sol’s golf carts is equipped with a satellite dish and a 10.4″ color screen. Some of the features include graphic hole and green overviews; exact distancing from the cart to the center of the green; exact pin placement for each day; electronic scoring; two-way communication with the clubhouse; food and beverage ordering from the cart to the grill and pro tips.
Par 71, 6811 yards (74.2/132)
(Robert Trent Jones, Jr.)
(866) 978-5111
www.tierradelsol.com |
|
Hyatt Regency Britannia
Cayman Islands
 Britannia Golf Club is the Caribbean’s first signature Jack Nicklaus golf course with three courses in one. A nine-hole Championship regulation course with an 18-hole, par-57 executive course built in. For the Britannia Club, Nicklaus created a track reminiscent of legendary courses such as Royal Troon, Turnberry and Royal Birkdale. The hallmark of a Nicklaus design is his ability to provide players with a challenging and rewarding golf experience. Off the regulation tees, it plays as a par-35, nine-hole course. Play the additional nine greens and tees, and it’s a par-57, 18-hole executive course. Or tee up the revolutionary restricted-flight “Golden Bear Cayman Ball” and play a par-71, 18-hole round. The course has all the natural challenges and hazards of a traditional seaside or links layout.
Par 70, 5829 yards (73.2/135)
(Jack Nicklaus)
+1 (345) 949-1234
www.grandcayman.hyatt.com |
_Ê |
Must-Plays
|
_Ê |
Four Seasons Resort
Nevis, West Indies
 The course provides a dramatic view of the Resort, the Caribbean and the neighboring island of St. Kitts. Two complimentary weekly clinics are offered to guests, and a golfer’s conditioning program is also available for an additional fee. Guests are invited to take part in the 9-hole guest/manager scramble each week.
Par 70, 6682 yards (73.6/132)
(Robert Trent Jones II)
+1 (869) 469-1111
www.fourseasons.com/nevis |
Provo Golf Club
Turks & Caicos
 Provo Golf Club offers a solid test for golfers of any caliber. Designed in a way that offers a larger green area if your approach shot is long, while the shorter approaches generally challenge a larger number of hazards, this is a course that can be played conservatively or with daring. According to locals, the prevailing “Trade Winds” that provide cool air over the entire islands can also make your round a bit more challenging, so be prepared.
Par 72, 6705 yards (74/136)
(649) 946-5991
www.provogolfclub.com |
|
Carambola Golf Course
St. Croix
 Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., and built by Laurence Rockefeller, the Club annually hosts the Konica USVI Golf Classic featuring LPGA professionals. Nestled in a verdant tropical valley, the Carambola Golf Course features rolling terrain, 94 bunkers and four of the best par 3’s in the Caribbean. The course also features natural spring-like ponds that come into play on holes 5 and 14. The most challenging hole is the signature hole #8, a 223-yard, par 3, which requires an uphill tee shot to a well-bunkered green. For variety, also try the nearby Buccaneer Golf Course.
Par 72, 6843 yards (74.3/135)
(Robert Trent Jones)
(340) 778-5638
www.carambolabeach.com |
Mahogany Run Golf Course
St. Thomas
 Mahogany Run’s Signature 13th, 14th and 15th holes are known as The Devil’s Triangle. The 327-yard 13th is a dogleg-left par-4 that slopes precipitously toward a tiny shelf-like green carved out of a hillside overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Playing the hole in regulation requires an accurate 200-yard tee shot followed by a wedge into the windswept 25-foot-wide green. Number 14 is a 173-yard, cliff-side hole with the Atlantic Ocean in place of the fairway. The golfer often must play the ball out over the ocean, battling swirling winds to find the green. Finally, the 15th is a 560-yard par-5, and is the number-one handicap hole on the course. Accuracy off the tee is vital. After a monster drive, long hitters often try to smash a second shot over a pond that guards the front of the hole, only to find trouble with the out-of-bounds behind the dramatically sloped green.
Par 70, 6022 yards (70.5/133)
(George and Tom Fazio)
(800) 253-7103
www.mahoganyrungolf.com |
|
Los Suenos Marriott, La Iguana G.C.
Costa Rica
 La Iguana is a 6,700-yard Ted Robinson Jr. design with a unique and dramatic setting at the Los Suenos Marriott. The front nine plunges into the shadow of the rain forest along a narrow river valley. From the hills there is an occasional chorus of howler monkeys, and mature trees near the stream are placed for maximum difficulty. For instance, the second hole requires a long iron shot either over or under two trees guarding the green.
Par 72, 6700 yards
(Ted Robinson)
(506) 630-9012
www.marriott.com |
Guavaberry Golf Club
Dominican Republic
 The black championship tees offer the greatest challenge at Guavaberry, as there is a 936-yard difference between the middle white tees (11-20 Hcp) and black tees (scratch golfer) — the sight lines are quite different for the two tees and the penalty for missing a landing area can be harsh. There are a few holes that require some sharp, short iron play to avoid a big number and still others that offer birdie opportunities. The greens are quite true for such a young course and, as is the case with courses in this environment, they should become even more consistent with time
Par 72, 7156 yards
(Gary Player)
(809) 333-GOLF
www.guavaberrygolf.com |
| _Ê |
| Where To Stay |
_Ê |
_Ê |
Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort, Rose Hall Jamaica
1 Ritz-Carlton Drive
Rose Hall
St. James, Jamaica
(876) 953-2800
www.ritzcarlton.com
(Ritz-Carlton resorts also available in Cayman Islands, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands.) |
Wyndham El Conquistador Resort & Golden Door Spa
1000 Conquistador Ave.
Fajardo 00738
Puerto Rico
(787) 863-1000
www.wyndham.com
(Wyndham resorts also
 Earlier this summer, PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem announced the 2007 Tour schedule. It was a moment many golf fans were anticipating, as the details of the long-awaited FedEx Cup, a NASCAR-like season-long point race, were revealed.
The schedule is dramatically different than what we’re accustomed to, at times. The Ford Championship at Doral will be called the WGC-CA Championships, the Chrysler Classic normally held in Tucson in October will move to March with a new name, Tampa Bay Championship, and even the Bay Hill Invitational underwent some altering, taking on the moniker of its legendary host, Arnold Palmer.
Amid all this reshuffling and renaming, one constant remains. The PGA Tour (not to mention the LPGA and Champions’ Tours) play at some excellent, accessible venues.
Of course, location and timing contribute to the abundance of tour events in the Sunshine State. Most tourneys are played in winter and spring, thereby avoiding the steamy summers and early autumn hurricane season. Another factor is that each tour has its headquarters here, making scheduling and course selection more convenient.
Still, we believe the greatest feature of these courses is that anyone can play them. It’s always a great feeling to turn on the TV and see holes that you’ve brought to their knees. (It’s even better if you can brag that you trumped a pro on one of them.) So if you’re planning to vacation in Florida this fall or winter, stop by one of these tracks and break it in before the pros get their chance.
PGA Tour Stops
Bay Hill Club and Lodge, Orlando
The Tournament: Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard
Defending Champion: Rod Pampling (274, 14-under)
2007 Dates: March 12-18
(888) 422-9445 | www.bayhill.com | www.bayhillinvitational.com
Did you know? Bay Hill has been Palmer’s winter home since 1976. Three nines make up Bay Hill Golf Course with the Challenger and Champion hosting Arnie’s annual tournament. The Dick Wilson-designed tracks have been slightly altered over the years by Palmer and his design partner, Ed Seay.
 PGA National Resort And Spa, Palm Beach Gardens
The Tournament: The Honda Classic
Defending Champion: Luke Donald (276, 12-under at Mirasol)
2007 Dates: February 26-March 4
(800) 633-9150 | www.pga-resorts.com | www.hondaclassic.com
Did you know? PGA National is home to the PGA of America. Five courses make PGA National one of the country’s largest golf resorts. The Champion course, designed by Tom Fazio, plays to 7,022 yards and, in addition to hosting next year’s Honda, hosted the 1983 Ryder Cup.
Doral Golf Resort And Spa, Miami
The Tournament: WGC-CA Championships (formerly Ford Championship)
Defending Champion: Tiger Woods (268, 20-under)
2007 Dates: March 19-25
(800) 713-6725 | www.doralgolf.com | www.worldgolfchampionships.com
Did you know? Tiger has averaged 3.69 strokes per hole his last two years at Doral. Doral, one of the premier destinations in the country, boasts five championship golf courses, including the fierce Blue Monster (scheduled to reopen September 17 after a $1.4 million renovation).
Westin Innisbrook Resort, Tampa Bay The Tournament: Tampa Bay Championship (formerly Chrysler Classic) Defending Champion: As of press time, the tourney hasn’t been played. 2007 Dates: March 5-11 (800) 456-2000 | www.innisbrookgolfresort.com | www.pgatour.com/tournaments
Did you know? Curtis Strange once said, “I could play this course [the Copperhead] for the rest of my life.” The Copperhead Course is beloved by PGA Tour pros and visitors alike, because it isn’t a typical flat, Floridian layout. E. Lawrence Packard’s design took advantage of the area’s 70-foot elevation changes. Packard also designed the resort’s other courses.
LPGA Tour Stops
Reunion Resort, Reunion
The Tournament: Ginn Open
Defending Champion: Mi Hyun Kim
2007 Dates: April 9-15
(888) 418-9611 | www.reunionresort.com | www.ginnopen.com
Did you know? Tom Watson’s Independence Course is his first Florida design. Palmer, Watson and Nicklaus have built courses at this resort just 20 miles from Orlando. One nine from the Palmer and Watson combined to make the composite course used at last year’s Ginn Open. Nicklaus’ course is set to open later this year.
Champions Tour Stops
 The Raven at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Destin
The Tournament: The Boeing Championship
Defending Champion: Bobby Wadkins (203, 10-under)
2007 Dates: May 7-13
(800) 622-1038 | www.sandestin.com | www.theboeingchampionship.com
Did you know? Wadkins, who never won on the PGA Tour, has won three times on the Champions Tour. The Sandestin Resort near Pensacola has four courses, including Robert Trent Jones, Jr.’s Raven Course. Opened in 2000, it was rated Best New Course in Florida. Routed through pine trees, wetlands and marshes, it features large bunkers reminiscent of legendary architect, Alistair MacKenzie.
TPC Tampa, Tampa
The Tournament: Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am
Defending Champion: Jerry Pate (202, 11-under)
2007 Dates: February 12-18
(813) 949-0091 | www.tpc.com | www.outbackproam.com
Did you know? Pate’s 2006 win was his first since 1982. Designed by Bobby Weed, this stadium-style course stretches from 5,036 to 6,898 yards. It opened in 1991 and is routed around natural wetlands, cypress heads and numerous ponds and lagoons.
GREENLIGHT Specials
Bay Hill Club and Lodge
The Bay Hill Golf Package features an overnight stay in a Lodge room, breakfast daily, one round of golf per person per day, cart and complimentary practice balls. Single occupancy: $495; double occupancy: $705, from October 1-December 31.
(888) 4-BAYHILL | www.bayhill.com
Doral Golf Resort and Spa
The Blue Monster Package includes a three-night stay at a Garden View Room at the Resort, full American buffet breakfast, 54 holes of golf, plus free replays on the Gold, Red or Silver courses, unlimited use of the driving range and one introductory golf clinic. Single occupancy: $391; double occupancy: $572, per night starting October 1.
(800) 71-DORAL | www.doralgolf.com
PGA National Resort and Spa
The Platinum Golf Package includes deluxe resort accommodations with private balcony or terrace, full American breakfast daily, unlimited golf per person per night of stay and access to the Health & Racquet Club. $315 per night, October 1-December 31.
(800) 633-9150 | www.pga-resorts.com
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
The Stay and Play Golf Package includes two night’s accommodations, one round of golf per day, golf cart fee, unlimited use of practice facility and complimentary range balls. Rates begin at $200 per person. There are four championship courses on site.
(800) 622-1038 | www.sandestin.com
Westin Innisbrook Golf Resort
The Preferred Package features a spacious guest room, full breakfast, 18 holes of golf daily (includes one round on the Copperhead), cart, daily one-hour golf clinic and unlimited use of practice facilities. There’s a three-night minimum stay. Single occupancy: $259; double occupancy: $339 through January 17, 2007.
(800) 456-2000 | www.innisbrookgolfresort.com
In case you haven’t been to Las Vegas lately, the neon lights of the Strip are being outshined by the area’s premier daytime attraction: golf.
Playing golf has quickly become a must for Vegas visitors. It’s easy to see why. Some of the country’s most challenging and exciting courses can be found in the Greater Las Vegas area. If the steep price tags of Vegas’ high-end courses are too much green to part with, we suggest heading to where the locals play (yes, people actually do live in Las Vegas). They’ve got the inside scoop on the city’s best bargains.
Here are our picks for an outstanding three days of golf in Las Vegas.
Day 1: Practice
Angel Park is considered “Las Vegas’ Most Complete Golf Experience.”
Get up early so you can catch the sunrise, a sight visitors rarely see. Today’s the day you ease into your game by getting out the kinks.
Just 15 minutes from the Strip is Angel Park Golf Club, one of the most popular local courses in all of Nevada. It’s also widely considered “Las Vegas’ Most Complete Golf Experience.” There are 36 holes of Arnold Palmer championship golf, a “Cloud Nine” 12-hole short course and an 18-hole natural turf putting green replete with bunkers, rock outcroppings and water hazards.
After you’ve loosened up at the practice center, it’s time to tee it up on either the Mountain or Palm Course, both designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay. The Palms’ 6th hole stands out as Angel Park’s most unique design. The 525-yard, par-5 double-dogleg demands players to hit three good shots to reach the green.
If you choose to play the Mountain Course, you’ll be treated to eye-catching views of the adjacent Red Rock and Spring Mountain ranges. Conditions are challenging around the greens, especially the 10th, a 428-yard, par-4 that features a small, crowned green.
Since this is your first day in Vegas, head out to the Bob Cupp-designed Cloud Nine Short Course to hone your scoring skills. Its 12 holes draws inspiration from some of the world’s most famous short golf holes. If the sun is setting, don’t worry, nine of its holes are lighted for after-dark fun!
Specs
Mountain Course: Par 71, 6,722 Yards,
Rating/Slope: 71.1/130
Palm Course: Par 70, 6,525 Yards,
Rating/Slope: 70.3/124
Contact: (888) 4-GOLF-LV, www.angelpark.com
Day 2: Relax
Aliante Golf Club (above) is one of Gary Panks’ most serene and fun-to-play layouts.
Since yesterday was a long day with all the playing and practicing you did at Angel Park, you might want to sleep in and have breakfast in bed. A leisurely 20-minute drive to North Las Vegas takes you to Aliante Golf Club, a Gary Panks design that has been transformed from rolling desert terrain into a neatly contoured finished product. The 7,022-yard, par-72 has numerous landscape features, generous landing areas and trees not normally found in desert regions, like pear and purple locust.
Panks thinks of Aliante as a “strong challenge that incorporates all the best design elements found in outstanding golf courses,” and we bet most golfers will agree. One of those design elements includes an arroyo, or dry river bed, that weaves its way into one of Panks’ most serene and fun-to-play layouts.
That arroyo, and the course’s strategically placed bunkers, routinely gobbles up errant shots. Another great feature for many who play Aliante is its community setting, making it the perfect place to settle down. The 1,905-acre community being developed in the City of North Las Vegas plans to include 7,500 homes and hopes to grow to a population of about 20,000. It’s the proverbial “If I lived here I’d be home by now” scenario. But seeing that this is your three days in Vegas, you don’t live here”yet.
After your round, head into the Aliante Grill for some great food (they even have a “low-carb” menu for those of you watching your weight). Catch up on the latest sports scores with their scrolling sports ticker and eight–count ’em–eight flatscreen TVs surrounding the bar.
Specs
Par-72, 7,022 Yards,
Rating/Slope: 72.8 / 133
Contact: (702) 399-4888, www.aliantegolf.com
Top 5 Relaxing Spas
1. The Spa Bellagio: 55,000 square feet of pure relaxation. www.bellagio.com
2. Spa Mandalay: This place has everything, including an 11-acre beach outside. www.mandalaybay.com.
3. MGM Grand Spa: Don’t miss the coffee body scrub. Perky! www.mgmgrand.com
4. Spa Vito Di Lago: If it’s at the Ritz-Carlton, you know it’s first class. www.lakelasvegas.com _Ê
5. Canyon Ranch Spa Club: Spa treatments gone high-tech. www.venetian.com
Vegas Diversions
1. Grand Canyon Yeah, we know it’s 300 miles away, but it’s the Grand Canyon! (800) 959-9164
2. Hoover Dam Just 30 miles southeast of Vegas, this mammoth drain-stopper took five years to build. (702) 494-2517
3. Las Vegas Art Museum Featuring works by some of the world’s most cutting-edge artists. (702) 360-8000
4. Death Valley National Park The hottest and driest national park in the U.S. (760) 786-3200
5. ATV Action Tours Whitewater rafting and ATV quad excursions to satisfy the adventurer in you. (888) 288-5200
Where To Stay
Suncoast Hotel and Casino
427 rooms, not to mention Primos Steakhouse and the Italian restaurant Via Veneto. www.suncoastcasino.com
Red Rock Resort, Spa & Casino
Lip-smacking good steak at T-Bones Chophouse and finger-licking Texas BBQ at Salt Lick BBQ. 414 rooms. www.redrocklasvegas.com
Green Valley Ranch
500 rooms and two fine restaurants: Hanks (steakhouse) and Il Fornaio (Italian). Oh, and a world class spa. www.greenvalleyranchresort.com
Day 3: Play
Before bidding Las Vegas adieu, bring your “A” game to The Legacy Golf Club.
After your relaxing day at Aliante and a day’s worth of playing and practice at Angel Park, it hardly seems fair that you have to leave town at some point, but to make up for it, you can bring your “A” game to one of Vegas’ most demanding layouts: The Legacy, conveniently located just 10 minutes from the airport. Bring your bags with you because you can get to your plane just minutes after you hole out on 18.
This Arthur Hills gem features some Vegas-esque touches, like the famous “playing cards” 10th tee box. (Each box is mowed into the shape of a suit: heart, diamond, club and spades.) But it isn’t just this homage to Vegas that makes the 7,233-yard, par-72 course memorable. It’s the true test of golf you’ll experience.
The Legacy, which has hosted the local U.S. Open qualifier for the past several years, isn’t a pushover, particularly on the backside, where its answer to “Amen Corner” awaits you. The trio of holes, known as the “Devil’s Triangle” (holes 11-13), has golfers routinely praying to the golf gods for mercy. The three holes crisscross desert canyons and lava outcroppings that present a stark challenge for novices and advanced players alike.
“The Legacy Golf Club is a shot maker’s dream,” says course designer Arthur Hills. We agree.
Specs
Par-72, 7,233 yards,
Rating/Slope 74.5/137
Contact: (888) 4-GOLF-LV, www.thelegacygc.com
 “This is the most magnificent, balmy atmosphere in the world.”
– Mark Twain_Ê_Ê_Ê
In 1898, Samuel Mills Damon, a wealthy Hawaiian banker, built Hawaii’s first official 18-hole golf course. Even though it was on his estate, Damon didn’t charge any greens fees. A nice gesture, but the free rounds didn’t last long. Three years into its operation, Damon’s son made the course semiprivate and, because of the warm, tropical climate, lopped off nine of its holes. Playing 18, it seems, was just too hot to handle.
Today, the course is still around (known as Moanalua Golf Club in Honolulu, it retains its semiprivate, nine-hole status), but the weather hasn’t gotten any cooler. Thankfully, those itchy woolen suits have long been abandoned for clothes that “wick,” so weather that was once considered too hot is now–how do you put it?–just right.
So too is the golf. When you consider that Hawaii’s six major islands boast more than 90 golf courses (many of which rank atop numerous “Best of” lists), it’s easy to see why the 50th state is one of the world’s most popular golf destinations. Most courses feature ocean views and obstacles specific to this tropical archipelago: lava outcroppings, jungle ravines and, of course, the world’s largest water hazard, the Pacific Ocean.
That being said, from the many photos of and the extensive television coverage the Aloha State receives, it would be easy to mistake its golf as merely tranquil, leisurely and aesthetically pleasing. To that impression we add these words: “trade winds.” While most courses enjoy picture-postcard views, strong trade winds frequently turn serene moments into testy ones. (Don’t worry, we’ve provided tips on how to handle those “breezes.”) But that’s what makes playing golf in paradise so exciting. Now if only every round was free again.
| _Ê Hawaii THE “BIG ISLAND” |
_Ê |
_Ê |
Mauna Kea Golf Course
7,124 Yards, Par 72 | Architect: Robert Trent Jones, Sr.
Greens Fees: $110-$210 | (808) 882-7222 | www.princeresortshawaii.com
From abundant views of the Pacific to the snow-capped Mauna Kea volcano, it’s easy to see why the 40-year-old course remains one of Hawaii’s most popular experiences. Mauna Kea’s third hole is so famous, you can buy framed photos of it. |
Mauna Lani Resort Golf Course
6,812 Yards, Par 72 (North Course) | Architects: Homer Flint and Raymond Cain
6,938 Yards, Par 72 (South Course) | Architects: Nelson/Wright/Haworth
Greens Fees: $70-$205 | (808) 885-6655 | www.maunalani.com
Built on a lava bed, the North Course has a reputation for being slightly more difficult than its sister to the south. No. 17 will attract shutterbugs. The par-3 is tucked away inside a natural lava amphitheater.
_Ê |
Waikoloa Golf Course
6,560 Yards, Par 70 (Beach Course) | Architect: Robert Trent Jones Jr.
7,074 Yards, Par 72 (Kings’ Course) | Architects: Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish
Greens Fees: $130-$185 | (877) WAIKOLOA | www.waikoloabeachresort.com
Robert Trent Jones Jr. once said that Waikoloa’s Beach Course was the most “beautiful and unusual course I ever designed.” The course was carved from a lava flow and hugs the Kohala coastline. The challenging Kings’ Course features a trademark Tom Weiskopf design element. On both sets of nine, he tempts you to drive a par-4. |
| _Ê Kauai THE “GARDEN ISLAND” |
_Ê |
_Ê |
Princeville Golf Course (Prince Course)
7,309 Yards, Par 72 | Architect: Robert Trent Jones, Jr.
Greens Fees: $85-$175 | (800) 826-4400 | www.princeville.com
The Prince Course is one of the world’s hardest tests. Carved out of some of the most rugged terrain on Kauai’s coast, it challenges golfers right from the opening hole. Players are frequently forced to lay up short of wide ravines on their drives and play long irons or fairway woods into well-guarded greens. |
Poipu Bay Resort Golf Course
6,959 Yards, Par 72 | Architect: Robert Trent Jones, Jr.
Greens Fees: $60-$185 | (800) 858-6300 | www.poipubaygolf.com
When you reach 15, you head home–and downwind. Elevated high above the ocean with waves crashing below and kitesurfers launching themselves into the stratosphere, your drives will double in length. |
Puakea Golf Course
6,954 Yards, Par 72 | Architect: Robin Nelson
Greens Fees: $25-$125 | (866) 773-5554 | www.puakeagolf.com
AOL founder and Hawaii native Steve Case earns kudos for turning an incomplete 10-hole course into one of Kauai’s finest experiences. The inland Puakea has the feel of a more traditional course, with views of the mountains and jungle available at every turn. |
|
_Ê Maui THE “VALLEY ISLAND”
|
_Ê |
_Ê |
Kaanapali Golf Course
6,693 Yards, Par 71 (North) | Architect: Robert Trent Jones, Sr.
6,555 Yards, Par 71 (South) | Architect: Arthur Jack Snyder
Greens Fees: $65-$180 | (866) 454-GOLF | www.kaanapali-golf.com
Robin Nelson, Hawaii’s most prolific golf course architect, recently renovated Kaanapali’s South Course, resurfacing the greens. The $13-million, two-year project included adding strategically placed bunkers and contouring fairways. While the South is open for play, the North’s renovation will be completed this November. |
Kapalua Golf Course
6,600 Yards, Par 72 (Bay) | Architects: Palmer/Duane
6,378 Yards, Par 70 (Village) | Architect: Arnold Palmer
7,411 Yards, Par 73 (Plantation) | Architects: Ben Crenshaw/Bill Coore
Greens Fees: $67-$295 | (877) KAPALUA | www.kapaluamaui.com/golf
At 663 yards, the Plantation Course’s 18th hole is the longest hole played at any PGA Tour event (Mercedes Championship). The Bay Course’s 5th hole asks golfers to carry Oneloa Bay on their tee shot to a green surrounded by black lava cliffs. The easiest of the three Kapalua Courses is the Village, which heads inland and provides views of the West Maui Mountains. |
Wailea Golf Club
6,797 Yards, Par 72 (Blue) | Architect: Arthur Jack Snyder
6,407 Yards, Par 72 (Emerald) | Architect: Robert Trent Jones, Jr.
6,653 Yards, Par 72 (Gold) | Architect: Robert Trent Jones, Jr.
Greens Fees: $135-$190 | (888) 328-6284 | www.golfbc.com
The most challenging track, the Gold Course is known as a thinking player’s course. Look for lava rock outcroppings and dramatic elevation changes. The Blue Course isn’t just aesthetically pleasing with its hibiscus blooming along the fairways, it also sports ocean views and has a reputation for being a more forgiving experience. |
| Oahu THE “GATHERING PLACE” |
_Ê |
Hawaii Prince Golf Club
7,255 Yards, Par 72 | Architects: Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay
Greens Fees: $50-$140 | (888) 9-PRINCE | www.princeresortshawaii.com
Perhaps one of the most unique and malleable experiences in Hawaii, this 27-hole facility invites golfers to combine nines to create their own course. With abundant water on its holes, lush fairways and vistas of the Waianae Mountains, it’s as memorable for its setting as it is for its concept. |
Turtle Bay Resort Golf Club
7,199 Yards, Par 72 (Palmer) | Architect: Arnold Palmer
6,535 Yards, Par 72 (Fazio) | Architect: George Fazio
Greens Fees: $35-$175 | (808) 293-6000 | www.turtlebayresort.com
Two nines with distinct personalities make the Palmer Course one of the most memorable experiences on the islands. Its front nine calls to mind links-style courses while the backside carves its way through a jungle of ironwood pine and a bird sanctuary. Its sister course, designed by George Fazio, features generous fairways. |
|
| _Ê Lanai THE “PINEAPPLE ISLAND” |
_Ê |
The Challenge at Manele
7,039 Yards, Par 72 | Architect: Jack Nicklaus
Greens Fees: $75-$185 | (808) 565-2000 | www.fourseasons.com/manelebay/golf.html
There are only a handful of courses in the world that can claim to offer ocean views on every hole. The Challenge, built on lava outcroppings, is one of them, including three that border a cliff. |
The Experience at Koele
7,014 Yards, Par 72 | Architects: Greg Norman and Ted Robinson
Greens Fees: $75-$185 | (808) 565-2000 | www.fourseasons.com/manelebay/golf.html
At 2,000 feet above sea level, The Experience at Koele offers a cooler, inland alternative to The Challenge. Its front nine is routed through ravines of pine, koa and eucalyptus trees. The 17th features a 250-foot elevated tee box. |
Playing Tips Rain: The most important thing is to keep your clubs dry, especially your grips. Also, when it rains, greens soften and slow down–a great chance to be aggressive!
Grain: A green’s grain grows toward the setting sun, a quality that can dramatically impact your putting speed. Hit it harder when going into the grain and softer when it’s with you.
Wind: To keep it low, widen your stance, swing smoother and play the ball back in your stance. When downwind, tee it high and let it fly.
_Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê _Ê_Ê_Ê
How To Speak Hawaiian
aloha: “hello” and “goodbye”
mahalo: “thank you”
lei: a flower garland
poi: a thin paste made from taro, Hawaii’s national food
Getting There
American, United, Aloha and Hawaiian Air provide service from the mainland to Hawaii’s six major islands. Hawaiian and Island Air offer extensive interisland service.
www.aa.com
www.united.com
www.alohaair.com
www.hawaiianair.com
www.islandair.com
Average Temps
High/Low,F
January …….80_¡/65_¡
February……80_¡/65_¡
March ……….81_¡/67_¡
April …………82_¡/68_¡
May…………..84_¡/70_¡
June………….86_¡/72_¡
July …………..87_¡/73_¡
August ……..88_¡/74_¡
September ..88_¡/73_¡
October ……86_¡/72_¡
November …84_¡/70_¡
December …81_¡/66_¡
Out Of Bounds
Swim with dolphins and turtles or watch whales on a Wildside Specialty Tour. Morning and evening trips sail from Waianae Boat Harbor in Oahu. $95/person plus tax. Ask about group discounts. (808) 306-7273, www.sailhawaii.com/wildside.html.
Oahu’s famous North Shore. During the winter months, massive–and we mean really massive–waves roll in from Alaska and bring with them highlight-reel swells. Banzai Pipeline at Ehukai Beach Park or Waimea Bay provide killer views.
The Big Island’s Volcanoes National Park comprises 333,000 acres and rises from the sea to the 13,677-foot summit of Mauna Loa, the Earth’s most active volcano. $10 per vehicle, $5 for pedestrians or bicyclists. (808) 985-6000, www.nps.gov/havo.
Experience Hawaii by air. Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Tours fly over Kauai, Maui and the Big Island. $119-$382 per person. (800) 745-BLUE, www.bluehawaiian.com.
 The mountain West, which incorporates the rugged terrain of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado to the Sierra Nevadas of California, Utah and upward to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, is quite possibly the most diverse outdoor playground in the United States. Literally every kind of recreation is found here, ranging from winter skiing and white-water rafting to horseback riding, hiking, fishing and, of course, golf. In the last few years, the ski industry has taken advantage of what once were strictly wintertime vacation havens that stood empty in the summer months, and built golf courses to offset the busy snowy seasons. The result of this infusion is a plethora of split-personality resort destinations where thrill-seekers can ski in the winter and golf in the summer, yet eat and sleep in the same place.
Mountain West
No two destinations in the mountain West are anywhere near the same. High in the Rockies, golfers can expect thin air and dramatic elevation changes as well as deep, dense tree lines that frame several hole boundaries. The “mile-high” atmosphere provides a higher and faster ballflight, so golfers ought not to be surprised if they find an extra 10 or 15 yards off the tee. Out farther west, golfers will encounter the occasional hidden creek, lake or waterfall as they traverse some of America’s most beautiful forest scenery. In Utah, the Mars-like red rocks and windswept rock formations yield some golf challenges that not only beckon discerning golfers but leave them reeling over the stark contrasts between the harsh rocks and smooth, rolling turf.
In the California-Nevada Sierra Mountains, golfers can expect an entirely different personality in their golf experience. For starters, the personality out West is much less rugged, and golf courses are indicative of a more relaxing and serene persona. Places like Lake Tahoe feature golf courses and accommodations known worldwide for their attention to guest service, as well as often flawless course conditioning.
The resort town of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, may appear way off a beaten path, but for golfers who have been there, they know it’s worth the trek. Whether its water recreation, hiking or relaxing indoors or outdoors at the hotel, there’s always plenty to do here, including taking a stab on the only moveable island green in the world.
And finally, the rock formations of amazing destinations like St. George in Utah are truly unlike anywhere on earth. Hard to believe at first, but the ribbons of green grass that sprawl through and around bare, red canyon walls provide some of the most rollicking golf challenges in the United States. Dense forest takes a back seat in this region, and one can expect to find several tributes to local Native American nations, many of whom to this day believe strongly in the mystical powers of rock formations that change colors as the sun wanes to set. Travelers can choose between dramatic challenges or dramatic views–or, a lot of both. Without a doubt, this amazing region is a golfer’s paradise and not to be missed.
_Ê _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê_Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê _Ê_Ê_Ê_Ê
_Ê
Top 5 Jim Engh Courses You Can Play
1 The Golf Club at Redlands Mesa (Grand Junction, Colo.)–Striking images of the Colorado National Monument.
2 Fossil Trace Golf Club (Golden, Colo.)–Twenty-foot-high sandstone pillars dot the spectacular and unique 12th fairway.
3 Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course (Castle Rock, Colo.)–Sweeping views of the Colorado Rockies, wide fairways, moguls and a 528-yard par-4.
4 The Snowmass Club (Snowmass, Colo.)–A complete makeover of the 1980 Palmer-Seay layout with 360-degree panoramas of the Elk Mountain Range.
5 Lakota Canyon Ranch Golf Club (New Castle, Colo.)–Bomb drives 100 feet downhill or across ridge lines from seven tee boxes sitting on lofty, expansive stone walls.
_Ê _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê When To Go We’re talking about the mountains here, so even the most soft-heeled traveler knows that a golfing trip to the Rockies or High Sierra should avoid the winter months. That being said, spring through fall pull out all the stops, providing Eden-like conditions. Watch out for summer lightning storms–heed the warning and find shelter immediately. And don’t be surprised by sudden turns in weather; at Edgewood Tahoe, the course has seen flurries every month of the year.
Average Temps
Denver, Colo. (High/Low _¡F)
March_Ê ……………54_¡/25_¡
April ………………61_¡/34_¡
May ……………….70_¡/44_¡
June ………………82_¡/53_¡
July ……………….88_¡/59_¡
August_Ê …………..86_¡/57_¡
September_Ê ……..77_¡/47_¡
October_Ê …………66_¡/36_¡ _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê _Ê_Ê
Getting There
For Rockies destinations, fly into Denver International. Only 150 miles separate you from the tarmac and the mountain resort towns. For access to Coeur d’Alene, Spokane, Wash., is your best bet, lying a mere 40 miles to the west of the Idaho resort town. The golf sites of South Lake Tahoe, Carson City and Truckee are best reached via Reno. The north shore of Lake Tahoe is but a 35-mile drive from downtown. _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê _Ê_Ê_Ê
More Information
Colorado Golf Information
www.golfcolorado.com
Coeur d’Alene Visitors Bureau
www.coeurdalene.org
Golf The High Sierra
www.sierragolfcountry.com
Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority
www.ltva.org
Truckee Visitors Authority
www.truckee.com
Carson Valley Visitors Authority
www.visitcarsonvalley.org
Reno Convention/Visitors Bureau
www.renolaketahoe.com _Ê_Ê_Ê
| _Ê |
Hidden Gems:
Local favorites worthy of play during your stay |
_Ê |
_Ê |
Breckenridge Golf Club
Breckenridge, Colo.
(970) 453-9104 www.townofbreckenridge.com
The only Jack Nicklaus muni on the planet offers 27 immaculate Colorado mountain holes at a lofty 9,324-foot elevation. This is a tough test with forced carries across rocky ditches and creeks. |
River Valley Ranch
Aspen, Colo.
(970) 963-3625 www.rvrgolf.com
This Jay Morrish cow-patty field of dreams skirts the rippling Crystal River in the shadows of 12,953-foot Mount Sopris in Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley. |
Pole Creek Golf Club
Winter Park Colo.
(800) 511-5076 www.polecreekgolf.com
Down-to-earth, friendly Colorado layout with 27 holes of pure mountain fun. Pine-lined fairways, elevation changes, dramatic doglegs and breathtaking views of the 13,000-foot Continental Divide. |
|
Haymaker Golf Course
Steamboat Springs, Colo.
(888) 282-2969 www.haymakergolf.com
Keith Foster’s Scottish links-inspired gem combines with scenes of rolled hay in adjacent pastures, the Yampa Valley, Flat Tops Wilderness and Rabbit Ears Pass in Steamboat Springs. |
Genoa Lakes Golf Club Genoa, Nev.
(775) 782-6645 www.genoalakes.com
This layout is strategic, dotted by lakes and has distinctive white sand in its bunkers from the same sandbox that Augusta National uses. |
Sierra Nevada Golf Ranch Genoa, Nev.
(888) 452-4653 www.sierranevadagolfranch.com
The best course you’ve never heard of is a Johnny Miller-designed index-tester that demands shotmaking skills not required on most courses. |
|
Circling Raven Golf Club Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
(800) 523-2464 www.golfcirclingraven.net
This stunner of a golf course stretches nearly 7,200 yards amid more than 620 acres for a remarkably thrilling experience. |
Red Hawk Golf Club
Sparks, Nev.
(775) 626-6000 www.theresortatredhawk.com
Century-old cottonwood trees, water on 11 holes and 100 sand traps define this Robert Trent Jones Jr. shotmaker’s course in Sparks, Nev., next door to Reno. |
_Ê |
|
 Look Out For… #18, the Broadmoor (East) 415-yard par-4
On this beast of a finishing hole, the accomplished player strokes a slight fade off the tee box, but that’s the easy part.
“It’s imperative to keep the ball below the hole because the green slopes from back to front and is undulating,” says The Broadmoor’s director of golf Russ Miller. “Anything over the green usually means bogey for the recreational golfer. Par is cause for celebration.”
At the 1959 U.S. Amateur, Jack Nicklaus and Charlie Coe reached the 18th tee box all square. Nicklaus hit 20 feet below the hole, but Coe made a tactical error. His approach flew the green, creating a daunting recovery back down the slope. Miraculously, Coe chipped his third stiff–a gimme. Nicklaus, however, calmly stroked in his birdie putt, winning his first major one-up. _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê_Ê_Ê_Ê
_Ê _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê_Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê _Ê_Ê_Ê _Ê _Ê_Ê_Ê_Ê
Side Trips
For travelers who need a break between rounds and who wish to put a little thrill into their sightseeing of the mountain West, consider the following once-in-a-lifetime, side-trip activities.
From seasoned, firsthand accounts, the most magnificent way to see the wonders of Colorado is from high in the sky in a hot-air balloon. Fair Winds, based out of Boulder, offers captivating and invigorating hot-air balloon rides year-round, replete with views and scenery unlike anywhere else (www.fairwindsinc.com).
Hiking enthusiasts will find tread nirvana in the mountain West, especially in Utah’s Bryce Canyon and its thousands of weather-worn spires that rise above towering pines. As the sun reflects, so do the changing colors in the rocks, making Bryce Canyon one of the most beautiful places in the entire country.
In the Sierra Nevada, explore the beautiful Truckee River on an exciting white-water rafting expedition with the experts in white-water thrills. Tributary Whitewater Tours has several options from which to choose, ranging from serene to insane (www.whitewatertours.com).
The Perfect Day
8:00 am Breakfast in the Grand Lobby Cafe of the historic Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs (800-544-3998 or www.hotelcolorado.com). Opened in 1893, the Hotel Colorado is a true Wild West playground. Doc Holliday stayed here. So did Teddy Roosevelt. Add to your adventure by taking the train in from Denver–four hours of spectacular mountain scenery–and requesting one of the haunted rooms.
12:00 pm You’re standing on the first tee of award-winning River Valley Ranch GC (970-963-3625, www.rvrgolf.com) in nearby Carbondale. Start your round with a solid shot over the white water of the Crystal River and strap yourself in for a rollicking ride. The back nine plays under the imposing shadow of Mount Sopris, one of Colorado’s tallest peaks. The Jay Morrish design is a true favorite of locals. For feed, lunch in the clubhouse restaurant. Try the buffalo burger as you add up the day’s tally. For post-round excitement, meet a local guide (the Hotel Colorado’s concierge can help) and pull up your waders. It’s time to wet your line in the world-famous Roaring Fork River. The Roaring Fork boasts more than 2,500 trout per mile, with an average length of 15 inches.
5:00 pm Unwind from the day’s activities with a soak in the legendary hot spring-fed pool at the Hotel Colorado. For more than a century, pilgrims have traveled to the therapeutic 104-degree waters. Your back and your casting arm will thank you.
8:00 pm As darkness falls, enjoy the expansive Colorado night sky and reflect on a perfect Rocky Mountain golf day.
| _Ê |
| Where To Learn |
_Ê |
_Ê |
McGetrick Golf Academy
Denver (800) 494-1818 (303) 799-0870
www.mcgetrickgolf.com
Mike McGetrick, 1999 National PGA Teacher of the Year, is a legend in Colorado. He tutors Juli Inkster, Meg Mallon and Lauri Merten on the LPGA. He says the goal is for each student to come away with a plan for game improvement that’s comprehensive and individually tailored. |
Rick Smith Golf Institute
Broomfield, Colo. (303) 466-6128
www.ricksmithgolf.com
Employing only the top instructors, Rick Smith personally trains his teachers to help you reach your goals of improvement. |
GolfTEC
www.golftec.com
Cherry Creek, Colo.
(303) 388-4832
Denver
(303) 770-5951
Westminster, Colo.
(303) 426-6600
GolfTEC says it’s revolutionizing golf instruction with a fact-based golf instruction system that combines the skills of PGA teaching professionals with a blend of video, motion analysis, launch analysis and biofeedback technology. GolfTEC professionals have analyzed and compiled data on thousands of professional and amateur swings, and know–using empirical evidence–what works and what doesn’t. _Ê
|
|
Rule School
When playing in thin mountain air, it helps to tee the ball high to encourage a higher trajectory with as much carry as possible. But every golfer needs to pay attention when they use extra-length tees (www.pridegolftee.com). The USGA actually imposes a restriction on tee length, requiring that no tee exceed four inches. Also, a tee can’t be designed to indicate line of play or influence movement on the ball. Brush-like tees are considered conforming, as long as they adhere to the same rules as wooden pegs.
| | |
As a result, golfers from all over the eastern seaboard and the Midwest now come to Michigan and Wisconsin to play summer golf. From April through October, these courses are busy from early until late–very late, as in mid-summer the sun does not set until after 10 p.m.
For golf lovers there’s no better place on earth than Myrtle Beach–or more appropriately, the Carolinas’ “Grand Strand.” The 60+ mile stretch between southeastern North Carolina and Georgetown, South Carolina, with the Sun-Fun City of Myrtle Beach at the center, offers 100+ golf courses designed for every kind of golfer. The Grand Strand is a golfer’s paradise and one of the top golf destinations in the world–it’s no wonder it’s the undisputed “Golf Capital of the World.” Whether you prefer plenty of relaxation, rejuvenation and white sandy beaches to stroll in the evening, or a variety of activities for nongolfing partners or family members, Myrtle Beach is the ideal getaway or vacation destination for all who love golf.
The new Davis Love III design holds up against Barefoot’s other notable course designs by Norman, Fazio and Dye.
One of the finest course trios in the Carolinas.
Majestically designed and manicured to perfectly harmonize with the natural environment.
The exquisite beauty of Grande Dunes is matched only by its challenging length.
Arguably the most fun-to-play course in Myrtle Beach
Risk-reward opportunities are plentiful here.
36 holes of brilliant strategy and stunning visuals.
The Big Cats are among the most exciting courses in Myrtle Beach.
Myrtle Beach’s first golf course still ranks among the best.
Once an indigo and rice plantation, True Blue is among the most beautiful and challenging courses on the Grand Strand.
Three beautiful nines designed to please novices and skilled players alike.
Wide fairways instill confidence for the meek and forgiveness for the bold.
Gene Hamm’s 36 hole masterpiece is both exciting and enticing at the same time.
Recent renovations have made all the difference.
The home of Myrtle Beach’s only par-6 hole.
Shotmaking holds center stage on every hole at Indian Wells.
The International is one of the most thrilling courses in the area.
Widely considered to be William Byrd’s finest design.
Mature and refined, yet updated for a memorable experience.
Nicklaus at his best and most rewarding.
Explosive character and thrilling challenges abound.
A true country club-for-a-day experience.
Watch for water on 15 of 18 holes.
Three of the best courses in Myrtle Beach right next to one another.
Where old school meets new school.
Amazing views and a rollicking test of golf among 18 spectacular holes.
With 70+ bunkers and a host of other obstacles, this course is the kind touring professionals love to devour.
Endless options for even the most discerning players.
Tranquil on the outside, but as challenging as any RTJ course gets.
One of the best courses for men and women to play together in all of Myrtle Beach.
A magical golf journey for all skill levels.
Recreated masterpieces from across the globe.
With Las Vegas having more than 50, Palm Springs with 100-plus and the Phoenix/Scottsdale/Mesa area totaling somewhere near 200 golf courses, it’s no wonder millions of golfers each year flock to these three desert golf boomtowns. It’s culture shock for many once they get there, as golfers from all over the world marvel at the union between harsh desert topography and the soft, caressing ribbons of fairway and greens that make up each golf oasis. Unlike other destinations, where golf has a more natural feel, desert golf is a vivid sparring match between man-made creations and the consuming desert barrenness. This duel, when choreographed carefully by many of the world’s greatest course architects, results in a vast array of truly exciting holes that hopscotch desert canyons, traverse dry washes and jog around huge granite boulders. Oh, and a series of enormous and daunting man-made lakes also hold precedence at many golf courses as well, thus fooling unsuspecting golfers who imagine there’s only waterless courses in the desert. The sunshine is predictable (in a good way, of course), so golf course superintendents are able to fine-tune their course conditioning in ways that no other place on Earth can rival. Like mentioned, golf in the desert West isn’t played, it’s experienced.
Upon arrival at virtually every golf resort or stand-alone golf club, one can expect to find among the country’s most attentive staffs, the most glamorous golf shops, renowned restaurants (on-site), country-club-for-a-day amenities and practice centers that are consistently ranked among the best in the country. A typical desert golf experience begins with a warm morning round, a generous lunch, relaxation by the pool and an exquisite dinner followed by some of the world’s most sought-after evening entertainment.
This 36-hole club is a must for low-handicappers who think they’ve got the game to stack up against two of the most challenging and beautiful courses in Scottsdale.
High-end desert golf is personified at the two Weiskopf/Morrish-designed Pinnacle and Monument courses at Troon North.
There are two courses, two designers and a hundred reasons to stay and play at the fabulous JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa.
Unspoiled scenery without a single edifice in sight from any point on this fantastic desert layout.
Pine trees in the desert? You bet.
This is a course for players who like to swing big off the tee, but you pay for it by having to pinpoint your approaches with extreme precision.
The Tournament Players Club at Scottsdale happens to own four of the most exciting and decisive closing holes in town.
Recently renovated from good to absolutely great.
Three championship-length nines with bowl-shaped fairways and tricky greens.
Links-style golf on the home of the ASU Sun Devils.
A tribute to Jack Nicklaus, Bear’s Best has 18 replica holes taken from various Nicklaus-designed golf courses in North America.
The United Kingdom has found a new home in Vegas with a collection of holes patterned on British Open greats.
Big fairways and challenging greens.
Holes range from piece of cake to extremely challenging.
As expected, this Rees Jones design, minutes from the Strip, is part course, part thrill ride.
Seasoned designer Gary Panks offers shot value far beyond the green fee.
Tom Weiskopf and Jack Nicklaus stamped Mother Earth with two spectacular courses that will excite you for hours and hours.
The course is deadly long, a total of 7,604 yards, but the upshot is that the course is situated 3,000 feet above sea level.
Thirty-six holes of links-style golf in the desert.
The best of classic golf and new-age desert design in Palm Springs.
Perfect for the high-handicapper or for a confidence-boosting round.
This Nick Faldo design has played to rave reviews since it opened in 2000.
The John Cook-designed Firecliff and Mountain View courses are bunker minefields–you’ll love it.
More phenomenal golf than you can likely handle.
As the new host of the popular Skins Game, Trilogy has quickly earned the distinction of a must-play.
