Ask Travelin' Joe: Las Vegas, Phoenix and Orlando's best

If you want to ask Travelin' Joe a question, e-mail him at askjoe@golf.com.

Hi Joe,
I'm heading to Las Vegas in November and I'd like to know what you recommend for a true "desert golf" experience. I want to play a type of course I can't get here in Georgia. I'm even willing to drive up to Mesquite while I'm there.
Paul Allmon
Atlanta, Ga.

Hey, this is Vegas-you can get anything your heart (or wallet) desires here. If you're willing to splurge, you'll be captivated by the back nine at Butch Harmon's haunt, Rio Secco ($115-$225; 702-889-2400, riosecco.net), where the holes dip into and out of scrub-filled canyons. A worthy alternative is the Badlands ($70-$150); 702-363-0754, badlandsgc.com), a 27-hole Johnny Miller desert target design that has plenty of quirky touches and a nice "wow" factor.

Hey Joe,
I'm headed to Phoenix with my wife in December and want to play somewhere scenic, but one that won't beat us up, if you know what I mean.
George Kent
Richmond, Va.

Say "Hi" if you see me strolling the fairways of my hometown! Try any of the three nines at The Phoenician ($115-$175; 480-423-2449, thephoenician.com) The Oasis loop offers a touch of Florida thanks to the landscaping and lakes, while the Desert and Canyon nines embrace cactus and mountain themes. All three nines are pretty short but eye-catching.

Hi Joe,
I'm a Spanish pro and going to Orlando next winter. Which are, in your opinion, the top 10 golf courses to play in Orlando?
Mario Fernandez Cobo
Spain

Travelin' Joe hasn't played them all, but taking in the feedback I've received, plus my own subjective whims, here's your Orlando area Top 10.

1. Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club, Orlando (private-resort)
2. Sugarloaf Mountain Golf & Town Club, Clermont (private-resort)
3. Southern Dunes, Haines City (public)
4. Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, Orlando (private)
5. Isleworth Country Club, Windermere (private)
6. Ginn Reunion Resort (Independence), Orlando (private-resort)
7. Grand Cypress Golf Club (New), Orlando (public-resort)
8. Walt Disney World (Osprey Ridge), Lake Buena Vista (public-resort)
9. Orange County National (Panther Lake), Winter Garden (public-resort)
10. Orange County National (Crooked Cat), Winter Garden (public-resort)

Many private courses are receptive to allowing play from visiting professionals, on a space-available basis, so call or write ahead of time. If that doesn't work, mention Sergio's name.

Comments

[Kevin Sabean]

PGA RULES FOR THE SENIOR GOLFER

Who wants to hear that word of golf reality - senior golf? Most of us don’t want to face the fact that we will be eventually getting older. As life takes us through the path of wonder, we as golfers will all have to move into what is sometimes known as the golden years. That’s life, don’t fight it enjoy golf as a senior.
The nice thing about golf is the PGA is on your side and helps you maximize your game. The other nice thing is that senior golf is becoming hugely popular partially due to the Champions Tour.
You may also be wondering what exactly constitutes a senior golfer. In the outside world becoming a senior starts usually when you’re 65. Not so in golf. They jumped the gun and started classifying seniors starting at age 50, to play on the senior tour. Some players may not want to be considered a senior that early. But it can help you if you play in your local club tournaments.
The bottom line here is, don’t be afraid of getting older on the golf course. If you embrace it as it comes, those glory years can end up being some of the best ones of your golfing career.
How many things are given to you in this life? Most of us must work for the things we have. Would you agree? Not so in golf. They jumped the gun and started classifying seniors starting at age 50, to play on the senior tour. So, if you are 50 years of age you are considered a senior in the golf world.

Now, why should we bring this question up in the first place? So many of our local golf clubs have tournaments and they raise the age to 55 to play from the senior tees. This should not be. They should not penalize you at age 50 just because you can hit the ball well.

So what should we do? If the club you play at has senior tees and you meet the age limits of the PGA of 50 years of age, you play from the clubs SENIOR TEES. Some of us may not live to see 55. You earned it at 50 years of age. The PGA says so!

Golf clubs if you want to boost your attendant maybe you should also consider starting you SENIOR RATES at 50.

[Mike Riley]

To find the best golf courses open to the public in Orlando, try searching on Forelinksters.com