Ask Travelin Joe: Wisconsin, Illinois, Scottsdale and British Columbia

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

Dear Joe,
I will be spending 3-4 weeks in Southeastern Wisconsin and Northeastern Illinois in late May and June. The past few years I have enjoyed playing Thunderhawk in Beach Park, IL. Are there any courses you would recommend at a similar price point in the region?
Nick J.
Gilbert, Arizona

The Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed Thunderhawk ($52-$85; 847-968-4295, lcfpd.org) is pretty strong, but if you're craving variety in an area roughly one hour north of Chicago, start with Stonewall Orchard Golf Club ($70-$95; 847-740-4890, stonewallorchard.com) in Grayslake. This 7,074-yard, par-72 Arthur Hills creation, situated almost due west of Waukegan, between Libertyville and McHenry, boasts a formidable 140 slope, owing to water, wetlands and a superb set of par-3s.

Next, check out Shepherd's Crook ($42-$55; 847-872-2080, shepherdscrook.org) in Zion, an open, prairie-style Keith Foster product that sports wild, wavy greens and a wildly low price tag.

Ask Travelin Joe: Flagstaff, Arkansas and Toronto

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Hello, Joe,
I'm going to Flagstaff, Arizona this week. Can you give me any recommended courses? I don't have any club affiliations.
John G.
Albuquerque, New Mexico

Not many folks beyond the state lines realize that in a little more than two hours up Interstate 17, you can leave the triple digit temperatures of Phoenix behind for the 75-degree days, 80-foot-tall Ponderosa pines and 7,000-foot elevation of Flagstaff. Unfortunately, the great golf in the area is confined to private clubs, notably at 36-hole Forest Highlands, whose Canyon course is often ranked as Arizona's best and at Pine Canyon, one of my favorite golf communities in the nation.

Basically, you've got three choices for public access golf. First -- and closest -- is Continental Country Club (928-527-7999, continentalflagstaff.com; $43-$69). Formerly known as Elden Hills, it's reverted back to an earlier name and at 15 minutes from virtually anywhere in Flagstaff, it's all about convenience and value. Expect play to be slow, with lots of once-every-six-months kinds of players swinging away on vacation, but the waiting isn't all bad. Roughly half the holes are of your basic meadow/pasture variety, with ill-defined landing areas and water hazards, but the other half are pure pleasure, with a handful framed perfectly by pines and backdropped by the San Francisco Peaks.

Another option is to drive 45 scenic minutes south and tee it up at Sedona Golf Resort in Sedona (877-733-6630, sedonagolfresort.com; $69-$105). It's lower in elevation, 10-20 degrees warmer and features sagebrush edging the holes, rather than pines, but the stupendous red rock scenery, memorably at the 210-yard, par-3 10th, makes it worth the journey. Gary Panks, who authored Twin Warriors near Albuquerque, did Sedona as well.

Finally, you might try a cool time warp 30 miles due west of Flagstaff at Elephant Rocks in Williams (928-635-4935, elephantrocks.net; $29-$54). Panks created nine new, tough, meadowy holes here in 1999, but the old stone clubhouse and the lay-of-the-land, pine-lined holes (1-5 and 15-18) date to the 1920s.

Ask Travelin Joe: Florida Panhandle, Scottsdale stay-and-plays, and Charlotte

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

Dear Joe,
Are there any must-plays in the Florida Panhandle?
Dave S.
Via email

I'm a big fan of the whole Sandestin set-up, whether for family stays or buddies trips, and that includes the golf, which boasts tremendous variety, including a couple of all-stars in the Raven and Burnt Pine. Frankly, the whole region boasts a surprising number of worth-your-while layouts. However, the feeble economy has rendered two "can't-plays" into two "must-plays."

Shark's Tooth ($90-$150, 850-534-5000, sharkstoothgolfclub.com) in Lake Powell and Camp Creek ($125-$145, 850-231-7600, campcreekgolfclub.com) near Panama City Beach are two dynamic St. Joe-owned layouts that have dropped their "private" status in recent months. Shark's Tooth is a pristine, low-profile Greg Norman design with minimal rough, with some unforgettable back nine holes that skirt the vast Lake Powell.

Camp Creek is an equally tranquil Tom Fazio test with wide fairways, massive, undulating greens and an abundance of hazards that drive the back tee slope to a whopping 152. You shouldn't miss either of them if you're in the region.

Ask Travelin Joe: Hilton Head and San Jose

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Dear Travelin' Joe,
We have traded our timeshare to Hilton Head during April 18-25. I'd like to get in two rounds while there but don't want to spend our vacation savings to play. Can you recommend three or four public courses that would run around $75 per round?
Mike Payson
Via email

Watch out for a massive Hilton Head hangover the week you're in, as the PGA Tour's Verizon Heritage event at Harbour Town ends on the 19th. From start to finish, it's one giant party. Understand, too, that you're visiting during prime time, so genuine bargains are scarce. That said, there's plenty of good golf on- and off-island for under $100.

For a true Lowcountry test, set your compass to Old South Golf Links ($80-$95; 843-785-5353, oldsouthgolf.com). This 1991 Clyde Johnston design sports outstanding variety, with some holes that skirt the broad waters of the May River and others that play through live oak forests and next to saltwater lagoons. After 12 p.m., the $80 rate is worth every penny.

Hilton Head National ($86-$96; 843-842-5900, golfhiltonheadnational.com) is another solid value. The National and Player nines form the handsome, original 20-year-old Gary Player creation, but the 10-year-old Bobby Weed-designed nine is different -- and equally fun -- with more run-up and shotmaking options.

For real savings, check out Eagle's Point Golf Club ($65-$79; 843-757-5900, eaglespointegolf.com), a 1998 Davis Love III product that's tucked into a modest real estate development, but which features a set attractive holes bordered by oaks and pines, plus a collection of sprawling greens guarded by surprisingly large, deep bunkers. It's a good test at a good price.

Ask Travelin Joe: Scottsdale, Memphis and Palm Springs

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

Hello Joe,
I'm heading to Scottsdale in mid-April for a quick five days to get reacquainted with heat and sun. I'm staying at the Westin Kierland. We've been to Scottsdale a few times and have had the opportunity to play most of the great courses -- both Troon North courses, Grayhawk, TPC Tourney Course, We-Ko-Pa, Las Sendas, Wildfire, SunRidge, Eagle Mountain, Estrella -- all great tracks. Do you have any gems that are in the area that we should be looking at? We would love to tackle something new. We really enjoy your column. It's given us great advice on numerous courses.
Andy
Burlington, Ontario (-27 degrees)

Andy, you've played almost as much golf in my hometown as I have! Here are a few more new ones you should try. First, if you were willing to drive out to Estrella and Las Sendas on opposite ends of town, try a few more terrific layouts on the Phoenix outskirts.

First is Gold Canyon Golf Resort's 's Dinosaur Mountain course (480-982-9449, gcgr.com; $130-$150 in mid-April) 45 minutes east of Phoenix's Sky Harbor Airport. Some swear that this Ken Kavanaugh design is the equal of anything in Scottsdale, while others claim that houses have detracted some from the aesthetics. Undeniably, however, you'll get a fistful of in-your-face encounters with the Superstition Mountains. Bring your camera and your course management skills.

It's a 50-minute trek from the Westin Kierland, but Southern Dunes Golf Club (480-367-8949, golfsoutherndunes.com; $99-$109 April 6-May 3) is worth the journey. Managed by Troon Golf, this one-time private men's club where members included Mark Calcavecchia and Steve Jones boasts a Schmidt-Curley design that's rife with superb mountain vistas, imaginative green complexes and bold bunkering.

Recently restored Papago Municipal (602-275-8428, papagogolfcourse.net; $84-$109) in Phoenix, home to this week's LPGA event, offers 7,300 yards of desert-parkland mix, albeit with minimal facilities for now.

Finally, don't neglect your own hotel's three nines. Kierland's holes (480-922-9283, kierlandgolf.com; $140-$215, with Twilight rates from $85) don't have the space, terrain or drama to be top-tier, but for location, service and fun factor, Kierland's a good choice, especially the Acacia nine.

Hi Joe,
I am traveling to Memphis for a conference, but would like to get in a few rounds of golf. Any suggestions? Our group is not opposed to traveling and would be willing to make a day trip for a good course.
Jason Davis
Via email

You'll more likely to find a vegetarian ordering seconds at one of Memphis' to-die-for barbecue joints than locating a great public course in the area. That said, you won't starve. Start with the spicy, tender, dry-rub ribs at Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous and don't leave town without sampling the sweet-smoky sauce slathered on the meats at Jim Neely's Interstate Bar-B-Q (the original Interstate on 3rd Street is still supreme).

For golf, I recommend Cherokee Valley Golf Club (901-525-4653, olivebranchgolf.com; $39.75-$55.75), 25 minutes away in Olive Branch, Mississippi. A handsome hilltop clubhouse overlooks a variety filled-layout that weaves through forest and wetlands. Both nines end with memorable uphill tests.

If you're looking to mix golf and gaming, a half-hour south and slightly west of Memphis is a handful of good tracks in Mississippi's Tunica area. Best of the bunch is the Links at Cottonwood (662-357-6079, harrahstunica.com; $69-$79), a mostly open, extremely playable 6,989-yard Hale Irwin creation that features a watery closing stretch and a solid quartet of par-3s. Afterwards, Harrahs Tunica and the Sheraton Tunica offer riverboat gambling at its finest.

Roughly 80 miles east of Memphis is one of the state's best values, the Bear Trace at Chickasaw (731-989-4700, tngolftrail.net; $25-$35), a 7,118-yard Jack Nicklaus state park design, but budget cuts may force this one to close after March 31, so if you're thinking about making the journey, call ahead.

Dear Joe,
A friend and I are going to Palm Springs with our families at the end of March. We need some reasonably priced but compelling courses. Also, my kids (12 and 14) will play with us at least once -- they are good for their ages. Any suggestions for family golf?
Rob Ball
Via email

Late March is hopping once again in the desert, as Palm Springs has lifted its 20-year moratorium on college spring break partying. The cone of silence remains in place, however, in the tonier suburbs, so don't fret.

Trilogy Golf Club at La Quinta (760-771-0707, trilogygolfclub.com; $60-$109) should be a lot of fun for your brood. There's enough golf from the tips at 7,174 yards to have tested the pros for four Skins Games (2003-2006), including the memorable 2005 edition with Tiger Woods, Annika Sorenstam, Fred Couples and Fred Funk. So, with this Gary Panks design, you get famous footsteps, a fair price, plus wide fairways and a plethora of flowers, water hazards and mountain vistas. The similar looking homes framing fairways are a drawback, but mostly this is a treat for all.

If you and your kids want to try a more ambitious layout, shoot for SilverRock Resort (760-777-8884, silverrock.org; $165) also in La Quinta. This stunning Arnold Palmer track co-hosts the PGA Tour's Bob Hope tourney and its design sports hazards and mountains galore -- but its six sets of tees make it playable for nearly everybody. Also, play after 1:00 p.m. and it's $95 through April 30.         

Best Golf Travel Deals: April Values Reign

Save $180
Westin La Paloma
Tucson, Arizona

If mountains, cacti and 27 holes of Jack Nicklaus target golf sounds good, check out the Guys' Power Golf Weekend Package, which includes a welcome amenity of beer and chips for two, $50 off a round of golf (one per room) and a 4 p.m. late checkout, based on availability. Rates start at $319 per night, prepaid, based on double occupancy.
520-742-6000, westinlapalomaresort.com

Save $160
Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate
Orlando, Florida

The home to the Del Webb Father/Son Challenge offers family and friends their own brand of fun via the Unlimited Golf Experience, which features room, breakfast at Trevi's, transportation to Disney attractions and unlimited golf on two Greg Norman designs and the lighted par-3 course. April rates start at $602.10, based on double occupancy.
407-390-6664, omnihotels.com

Save $190
Amelia Island Plantation
Amelia Island, Florida

Swing into spring with Amelia's Unlimited Golf Package. Included are lodging, unlimited golf on three courses and a bag tag and ball-mark tool. Rates start at $371 per person, per night, based on double occupancy and a two-night minimum stay.
888-261-6161, aipfl.com

Ask Travelin Joe: Tucson, Jacksonville and Savannah

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

Hi Joe,
Our last golf vacation took us to Carefree, AZ where we played Troon North and Grayhawk, which we really enjoyed. We are planning another 5-day golf vacation this April (3 days of golf is what we're playing). We love desert golf. What and where would you suggest for the same high quality of golf courses? We'd be willing to try another state -- maybe New Mexico. What are your thoughts? My husband and I love reading your articles!
Kim & Lyle Somers
Canada

Thanks for the kind words. In return, I'll give you some straight ones. One day, make sure your desert golf itineraries include the Albuquerque/Santa Fe regions of New Mexico and the St. George, Utah area. However, if you're headed south in early April, the weather in both New Mexico and southwestern Utah can be a little dicey.

Instead, try Tucson, Arizona. The saguaro-studded desert terrain, backdropped by the towering Catalina Mountains, makes Tucson golf perhaps the most beautiful high-desert golf experience anywhere. Since you enjoyed Troon North and Grayhawk, two marvelous, if pricey spreads, I recommend Ventana Canyon's two tracks ($120-$195; 520-577-1400, thelodgeatventanacanyon.com), especially the Tom Fazio-designed Mountain course, whose 107-yard, par-3 3rd hole might be most thrilling drop shot in the southwest.

I also like Jack Nicklaus' three nines at La Paloma Country Club ($90-$205; 520-742-6000, westinlapalomaresort.com) that are covered in cactus. You'll need to stay at the Westin to play, but it's worth the splurge.

Finally, try out the new 27-hole Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain course ($99-$225; 520-572-3500, ritzcarlton.com/dovemountain), site of Geoff Ogilvy's Accenture Match Play win last week. The pros played the Saguaro and Tortolita nines, but designer Jack Nicklaus' favorite is the Wild Burro loop.

Dear Joe,
I'm going on a trip to Jacksonville, Florida. What courses do you recommend for budget and value?
Tony Masseri
Long Island, N.Y.

Assuming you're skipping the trophy courses -- TPC Sawgrass, Amelia Island Plantation, Ponte Vedra Inn and the World Golf Village -- out of cost considerations, hands down the best value in Jacksonville is Windsor Parke Golf Club (904-223-4653, windsorparke.com). This 1991 Arthur Hills design boasts an array of strategically placed trees, lakes and bunkers and while there may be one too many houses to please purists, the price is right: $55 weekdays for non-residents through May and $70 weekends.

Another solid choice, especially if you crave a stern challenge, is The Golf Club at North Hampton (904-548-0000, hamptongolfclubs.com; $75-$85), a 7,171-yard, par-72 Arnold Palmer design situated in Fernandina Beach, a half-hour north of Jacksonville.

Hi Joe,
I'll be heading down to the Savannah, Georgia area the third week of March with my bride to see the sights and play some golf. She likes playable courses. How's the weather that time of year? Also, any suggestions for eats and lodging?
Allen T.
Via email

First off, the weather should be glorious for you -- spring is just springing up, with daytime highs 66-72 degrees on average. Second, for a golf smorgasbord, don't forget that Hilton Head Island, S.C., is just a 45-minute drive from Savannah.

However, if you're going to hang out in Georgia for the week, check out the Westin Savannah Harbor (westinsavannah.com), set along scenic Lowcountry riverbanks. Its Greenbrier Spa is one of the South's best and its Troon-managed Bob Cupp course, the Club at Savannah Harbor (912-201-2240, theclubatsavannahharbor.com), hosts the Champions Tour every year. The Golf or Spa Package starts at $339, while a la carte golf is $135.

I think you'll both warm to the Wilmington Island Golf Club (912-897-1612, wilmingtonislandclub.com) a 1927 Donald Ross design that's dotted with mature pines and live oaks and goes for just $69, which includes cart and range balls. It's open to outside play all day Tuesday-Friday and after 12:30 p.m. on the weekend.

For eats, my wife, Betsy, swears by Food Network star Paula Deen's recipes, and her The Lady and Sons restaurant (912-233-2600, ladyandsons.com) is one of the city's most popular.

Another great option for down-home cookin' is Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room (912-232-5997, mrswilkes.com) but bring cash as they don't take credit cards.

For upscale fare, stick to Elizabeth on 37th (912-236-5547, elizabethon37th.net) and the Olde Pink House (912-232-4286), two Savannah institutions.

For value (yet handsome) accommodations in the heart of historic Savannah, I like either of the two Hampton Inn properties.

Ask Travelin Joe: Austin, Sedona and Spring Training

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

Dear Joe,
Four of us are heading to Austin, Texas in March. We already have a few rounds lined up, but are there any hidden gems that we should look into?
Duncan Norcross
Atlanta, Ga.

Off the beaten path but worth howling about is Wolfdancer (512-308-WOLF, wolfdancergolfclub.com; $165, includes forecaddie) 20 miles southeast of Austin, at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort. Arthur Hills and his lead associate Chris Wilczynski fashioned a unique test over three distinct landforms, from forested ridgelines and rolling prairie land to a valley peppered with trees. The downhill plunge at the par-3 12th, its mountainside green a scary but inviting target, is worth the drive out from the Austin city limits.

Hi Joe,
I'll be traveling down to Sedona, Arizona in February/March and I'll be staying at Seven Canyons. I'll be playing most of my golf there, but are there any other affordable courses that you recommend in that area? I've never been there and I'd like to play a few other courses as well.
John Hoffer
Minneapolis, Minn.

You'll have a tough time breaking away from the tight, if ultra-private Seven Canyons, which overdoses on scenery at every turn. Still, for the spice of variety, check out Sedona Golf Resort (877-733-6630, sedonagolfresort.com; $59-$105), a 1989 Gary Panks design with elevation changes, undulating greens, a driveable closing par-4 and an all-world, par-3 10th that's backdropped by red rocks.

Not quite as dramatic, but where the homes are less intrusive is Oakcreek Country Club (928-284-1660, oakcreekcountryclub.com; $79-$99), an early '70s collaboration from Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Jr. In classic Trent Jones style, most of the greens are elevated, and the par-3 4th, which plays straight at a gigantic, reddish rock formation is unforgettable, but a massive tree pruning/removal would really open up some spectacular vistas.

Dear Joe
My dad and I are big Philadelphia Phillies fans and are flying into Tampa, Fla. and driving to Clearwater for a few of their spring training games in March. We were wondering if you had some suggestions for courses for us to try out while we are down there?
Clay Stabert
Via email

Hopefully you perused the March 2009 issue of GOLF Magazine where I recommend a good value for Phillies fans, Bardmoor Golf Club in Largo (727-392-1234, bardmoorgolf.com; $65-$90), 15 minutes south of Bright House Field, where the Phills play their Grapefruit League ball.

Nearby, the underrated TPC Tampa Bay (813-949-0090, tpctampabay.com; $135-$162) in Lutz is a worthy splurge. It hosts the Champions Tour in April, where Tom Watson defends and after 2 p.m., you can tackle its myriad bunkers, lakes and wildly contoured greens for $99.      

Ask Travelin Joe: Tampa and Arizona

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

Hey Joe,
Three buddies and I have decided to go to Tampa for our annual golf trip. We've looked at World Woods, Innisbrook and TPC Tampa Bay, but it seems like there's a lot of golf in the area. What other courses would you recommend for a bunch of mid-handicappers?
Mike O' Malley
Chicago, Illinois

You won't go very wrong with those three venues, but there are some alternatives that deliver on value and playability, like Saddlebrook Resort ($100-$145; 813-973-1111, saddlebrookresort.com) and Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club ($79-$119; 352-588-9200, lakejovita.com). If you can secure your tee time at Saddlebrook 24 hours in advance, you'll pay just $100 bucks. Lake Jovita's South course sports 200 feet of elevation change, a rarity for Florida. Play after noon for slightly cheaper fees.

Dear Joe,
I'm going to Goodyear, Arizona for Spring Training. I'm looking to play nearby but pay under $100 a round. Any suggestions?
Jerry Ulman
Cleveland, Ohio

Your best bet here is Palm Valley's Palms Course (623-935-2500; palmvalleygolf.com). It's an Arthur Hills design and a good value at $84. The Lakes is a nifty par-62 Hale Irwin executive track that will run you $49-$58. It's no push-over, despite its length.

Another option is Estrella Mountain Golf Course ($32-$51; 623-932-3714, estrella-golf.com), a flat, county-owned track that offers desert-mountain vistas and a price tag that can't be beaten.

Photo: The Palms Course at Palm Valley Golf Club in Goodyear, Arizona.
Credit: Communication Links

Exclusive travel deals to Georgia, Jamaica and Arizona

Sea Island Special
Sea Island Resort in Georgia is one of the best resorts in America, and earned coveted Platinum status in Golf Magazine's Premier Resorts ranking in 2008. You can check it out for yourself thanks to a new offering. You can enjoy unlimited golf at its Seaside and Plantation courses, plus accommodations at its superb Lodge (so you can sleep just a few steps from the first tee).

The package starts at $375 single or $450 double, and is good through the night of March 18. Rates are per room, per night, plus a $35 daily resort fee. A gratuity for your forecaddie is additional.
For reservations call 866-879-0208 of visit seaisland.com

Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall
The Fairways and Greens package at the Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall in Jamaica gets you a daily outing for two on the terrific White Witch golf course, overnight accommodations at the plush resort and daily breakfast for two in Horizon restaurant. The package starts at $549 per night and is valid through April 30.
For reservations call 800-241-3333 or visit ritzcarlton.com

Bowled Over at the Boulders
It's not often you can take advantage of a deal at a top resort that offers access to courses off-property.

The "Fore for Four" deal at the top-rated Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona, includes four nights accommodation and 72 holes of golf. You'll get one round each on the North and South courses at the Boulders, and one round each at two of eight courses, including Grayhawk, TPC Scottsdale, and We-Ko-Pa.

Also included is a free cart and a 20 percent discount at the Golden Door Spa. The package costs from $1,379 single and $1,999 double and does not include a resort fee or taxes. Available through May 25. Reduced pricing available for those who want to extend their stay and play all eight courses on offer.
For reservations call 866-397-6520 or visit theboulders.com