 |
|
|
|
 |
|
Planning a Trip?
Create a trip plan with your favorite destinations, hotels, restaurants and more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I know, I know - You'd rather be driving a Titleist. Well, so would a lot of the editors at ProfessionalTravelGuide.com, which is why we've created this list just for you.
If hitting the beach means more than a towel and a good book, if watching a birdie doesn't involve binoculars, if making the turn involves more than flipping a signal in your car, this is the list for you. We've put together the top golf destinations in the United States - some for the luxurious, some for the everyman, but all for the golfer looking to get away.
So enjoy planning your next golf trip with the help of ProfessionalTravelGuide.com. We'll see you at the 19th Hole.
 |
Monterey Peninsula, California
The Monterey Peninsula is a golfer's mecca — home to 20 golf courses, including three of the top 10 international golf courses. With designs from Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Jr., Tom Watson, Sandy Tatum, Jack Neville and Douglas Grant, there is plenty of star power. And speaking of star power, don't forget to check out the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am held each February. For those willing to spend to get preferred tee times and luxury accommodations, The Inn at Spanish Bay and The Lodge at Pebble Beach can't be beat. |
 |
Pinehurst, North Carolina
Pinehurst is the enbodiment of golf. While you can stay at the Pinehurst Villas & Condos and play one of the resort's eight courses (you can only play the famed #2 if you stay at the resort), or venture throughout the Pinehurst-Sandhills region for some other lesser-known tests, including Tobacco Road Golf Club, rated by Golf Digest as one of the toughest courses in America. As an alternative to staying in Pinehurst, check out Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club, which has hosted the U.S. Women's Open on two occassions. |
 |
Palm Springs, California
With so many outstanding golf courses and top-notch resorts, Palm Springs is a ideal location for golfers. Besides the weather and the golf, visitors can usually spot celebrities in this California playground. While the winter months are generally the most expensive for this golf mecca, better rates can be had if you're willing to brave the California summers. And while you're there, stay at the exquisite Parker Palm Springs, formerly owned by Wheel of Fortune creator Merv Griffin. |
 |
Lake Las Vegas, Nevada
Just about 20 miles east of the Las Vegas Strip sits this beautiful golf oasis. During the day, take in courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Tom Weiskopf and more. If you're willing to take a drive, you can also head to one of two Tournament Players Club courses - Summerlin and Canyons, both just west of Las Vegas. Deciding where to stay could be the difficult part. While the ever-popular casino properties on the Las Vegas Strip are always an option, the best choice for golf-lovers could be the Loews Lake Las Vegas Resort. |
 |
Scottsdale, Arizona
Golfing in Scottsdale is a dream trip for most golf enthusiasts, considering the number of championship caliber courses, especially the fabled TPC of Scottsdale, home to the FBR Open each January and one of the most rambuncious crowds on the PGA Tour. And if you ever feel too weary to go another 18 holes, you can always head to the 19th hole at the wonderful resorts throughout this golf destination. While many are drawn to the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale, the saavy traveler can find a hidden gem in the four-star Millennium McCormick Ranch Resort. |
Photo courtesy of GolfDigest.com
|
Bethpage, New York
Unlike the other destinations on this list, Bethpage, New York isn't a resort town. Rather, it is home to Bethpage State Park and its famous (and monstrous) Bethpage Black course. While the park is home to five courses of varying difficulty, it is the Black Course that has hosted the U.S. Open in 2002 and will do so again in 2009. And it can be played by anyone willing to camp in their cars for one of the coveted tee times. If you'd prefer to stay in a bed, try the Garden City Hotel, a five-star gem about 15 miles west. |
 |
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
What golfer's life is complete without a trip to Myrtle Beach? This is the first South Carolina stop on our list and, for many, is the first place they think about when planning a golf trip. With more than 100 golf courses along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach is the epicenter of it all. Favorites include Myrtle Beach National, Pine Lake International (better known as "The Granddaddy" and the birthplace of Sports Illustrated) and Grand Dunes Golf Club. While there are plenty of lodging options throughout Myrtle Beach, the best bet is the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes, which boasts views of both the property's golf course and the Intracoastal Waterway. |
 |
Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Just about 30 miles south of Charleston sits the next South Carolina golf haven in Kiawah Island. The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island is the place to stay, considering it is the only place to stay if you want to make it onto the famous Ocean Course constructed by world-renowned architect Pete Dye. But there's plenty of other offerings on Kiawah Island, including the resort's four other highly-regarded courses, as well as other hidden gems in nearby Charleston. |
 |
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
The last stop on our list is certainly no slouch. Hilton Head Island boasts 23 championship courses, including Sea Pines Resort's Harbour Town Golf Links, which plays host to the PGA Tour's Verizon Heritage each April. And for those who want to venture outside Hilton Head, head one hour south to take in some of the championship courses in Savannah, Georgia. But the question is - why would you ever have to? The hote recommendation is simple: The Inn at Harbour Town not only boasts supurb accommodations, but comes with a modest price. |
|
|
|
|
