Cosmo's PGA Blog
Posted by Cosmo, 7 April 2010 with tags: USA, Virginia, West Virginia, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Great Golf Getaways:
Written March 11th, 2010:
It’s that time of year again; when the temperatures just start to get warm enough to give us the bug, make us suffer through insufferable conditions, all just to get our games ready for the spring trip down south. Growing up in southern Ontario and going to College in the Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S.A. I have come across a couple hidden gems, a few good bangs for your buck, and some all time favorites.
The Resort at Glade Springs
Right off the Southern end of I-77 in West Virginia, The Resort at Glade Springs is a dual threat, both a hidden gem and a definite bang for your buck. With Stay and Play Packages staring under $149 for lodging that includes round of golf on one of West Virginia’s Première golf courses that has hosted state Open’s, USGA Qualifiers, and NCAA Men’s Division II National Championship. This course is sure to test the most skilled with extremely tree lined fairways and with huge greens that resemble Augusta National as The Cobb Course was designed by George W. Cobb who also designed a couple beauties like the Par 3 Course at Augusta National, Quail Hollow Country Club where the host the PGA Tour’s Quail Hollow Championship (formerly the Wachovia Championship). Although challenging with a variety of teeing options, finding one that suits your skill level is sure to be easy.
Aside from the golf there are many attractions and great dining and many other recreational activities. If you see it in the spring I promise you will be begging to come back in fall for the great colors and warm temperatures. For more information go to www.gladesprings.com.
Tanglewood Park
Located in Forsyth Co. this hidden gem again is a great bang for your buck too. Just off I-40 and a little southwest of Winston-Salem, a few of this from college used this as our winter getaway as it was only a couple hours away and the Staff would take care of our team very well. The Facility has a ton of unique and traditional recreational activities that I could see but never got a chance to try, and for more information you can definitely find it on their informative website www.forsyth.cc/tanglewood/.
The golf is incredible, with three different courses (Championship, Reynolds, and Par 3) there is sure to be something that fits your game but game but I suggest trying all 3. The one I am most familiar with is the Championship Course. With rates under $50 a round on weekends you be hard pressed to believe that it held the 1974 PGA Championship, or was a marquee event on the Champions Tour for years. Once you get onto the practice facility and may happen to get a glimpse of the Wake Forrest Golf team practicing, you start seeing that this truly is one of Robert Trent Jones Best. With a premium on accurate iron shots that are best set up from the proper sides of the fairways, the seemingly flat terrain becomes really gruesome on the long hike up the hill to the 18th green and the 19th Hole! A must play for all.
Olde Mill
This is a great course when trying to split up the drive down south. Located just minutes of I-77 in Virginia just a little over an hour north of Charlotte, NC, I nick named this place the land of a billion lakes. Although one of the most secluded and naturally gorgeous places I have played, getting caught up in the aesthetics will leave you cracking open the next dozen in a hurry. This championship golf course is set in a great community that loves golf and has a resort that also offers excellent stay and play packages. With a lake listed at over 54 acres and the mountainside make a perfect setting that has been crafted by both generations of Maples family designers, and an super friendly staff lead by Head pro Bo Goins, I promise you won’t be there long till you get the feeling that you could stay for the rest of your life, or if nothing else, come back really soon. Again with a great website I don’t need to do too much more talking - www.oldemill.net.
King’s North at Myrtle Beach National Golf Club
This is simply a must play. There is not a lot I really have to say is the times I have played this course I have always had my favorite rounds of the year. With holes named “the gambler” like the par 5 6th hole that features an Island (“go for the green”) fairway, and the 18th hole that course designer Arnold Palmer (You may have heard of him) dropped over 40 sand traps on one single hole, it’s easy to see why. It is one of those course where I think they fight every year between just about all 18 holes to choose which they will cal their “Signature Hole”. Take a look at some photos on their website www.mbn.com/courses/kings-north/ and I am sure you will be booking a tee time without even realizing you’ve picked up the phone.
Hombre Golf Club
Often thought of as one of the big party spots in the south for Spring Break, Panama City is just that and yet so much more. With all the nightlife you can handle this spot has all the golf you can soak up too. I got a chance to spend a week in an amazing beach front and walk out condo for a week in March a few years ago. Between the party atmosphere, white sand, bright sun, the golf is easily but not wisely over looked. If you can get a chance to nest for a bit of time there be sure to check out Hombre Golf Club. With a great facility that includes lots of holes to play, the instruction packages there are second to none. The offer single and multi-day instruction that will be sure to give your game that added edge to start the northern season. www.hombregolfclub.com/
The Club at Emerald Hills
Will spending a winter working and playing in south Florida, this was a course I got to play that I just could not get enough of. With so many tour shot looks off the tee’s and especially if you are out of position into greens it is not a wonder why it has play host to countless Doral and Honda Classic qualifiers as well as all levels of USGA qualifiers as well. As a club that when I was there looked a little like a spot that just ran out of money, they were really working hard bringing it back so it was kept in great shape as to attract new business. Located in Hollywood just north of Miami, with the warm air, good golf, and cold beverages, Emerald Hills can bring you that much closer to paradise. The best tip I have for the place is they don’t allow mock collars so they may try and snip you for the $65 polo in the golf shop if you are ill prepared as I was. If I had viewed there sight I might have had a chance, but check out the course map and you will see what I am talking about. www.theclubatemeraldhills.com/
Whether you are on your way to Florida, the Carolina’s, whatever your golfing journey maybe, I’ve been to a lot of places up the eastern seaboard, so if none of these beauties float your boat or your vacation has you headed somewhere else, post either where you are going or places you may be traveling through and I am sure we can find a perfect spot to beat the early season blues.
Cosmo
