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If you've been to Jacksonville, St. Augustine or along the Emerald Coast share your experience with us here in the Trips Blog. Tell readers like you about the golf courses, hotels and nightlife in Northern Florida. Need help planning your trip? Visit Travelin Joe's Guide to Northern Florida.
If you've been to Orlando share your experience with us here in the Trips Blog. Tell readers like you about the golf courses, hotels and nightlife in Orlando. Need help planning your trip? Visit our Orlando guide here.
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.
Continue reading "Ask Travelin Joe: Florida Panhandle, Scottsdale stay-and-plays, and Charlotte" ยป
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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
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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
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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
If you want to ask Travelin' Joe a question, e-mail him at askjoe@golf.com.
Hi Joe,
We're looking for affordable golf in the Nassau area in early April. Any recommendations?
Maureen & John Peet
Goderich, Ontario, Canada
Soak up as much free sun and sand as you can, because "affordable" golf near Nassau is not an option.
Nassau/Paradise Island offers only three courses-and no bargains. The best bang for the buck is at Cable Beach Golf Club (242-677-4175, crystalpalacevacations.com), 10 minutes west of downtown Nassau. Devereux Emmet (of Congressional and Garden City fame) designed this layout in 1929, though subsequent revisions have shredded nearly any trace of his work. Nonetheless, this 6,423-yard, par-71 layout remains a sporty, interesting test, even if maintenance can be spotty. It will cost you $180 to play in the morning (the rate shrinks to $130 on May 1), but they do provide a 9-hole rate of $110 if you're just itching to play. Guests of the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort and the Wyndham Nassau Resort, both affiliated with Crystal Palace Casino, can play for $120.
Nassau's two other courses both come with caveats. You must be a guest of the One & Only Ocean Club (888-528-7157, oneandonlyresorts.com) on Paradise Island or nearby Atlantis (888-877-7525, atlantis.com) to play Ocean Club's Tom Weiskopf course. Mind you, this is one of the priciest resorts around, but many feel it's worth the splurge, as evidenced by its Silver Medal showing in GOLF Magazine's 2008 Premier Resorts Awards. Though the Ocean Club is a flattish, low-profile layout, it's superbly groomed and enjoys gorgeous sea views. Here's a tip: Just as at Pinehurst, you may call them the morning of the day you'd like to play and if there is availability, they'll let you on for the same hotel guest rate of $250.
Finally, the island's newest course is Blue Shark (242-362-4546, bluesharkgolf.com), so it's no surprise that Greg Norman is the architect of record. It's also the island's most expensive, at $265, but with its "Shark's Teeth" triangle of holes 10-12, its distinctive "Blue Holes," (natural tubes that lead directly to the ocean) and excellent conditioning and views, this re-do of Joe Lee's old South Ocean Club could be right up your alley. At 30 minutes from downtown Nassau, it's a bit of a hike, but then you might enjoy the solitude.
Hello Joe,
Every year, I go to the Women's Final Four and try to play golf in the area. Last year, at Tampa, I was able to hit some of your suggestions: World Woods, Innisbrook, etc. Any suggestions for St. Louis this year? Also, is there a golf school you recommend in that area as well?
Ie-Chen Cheng
Palo Alto, CA
My first suggestion is to bring a sweater or two. The first week in April in St. Louis features average daytime highs of 62 degrees and lows of 42. At the very least, sleep in and play late. First choice would be Missouri Bluffs (800-939-6760, mobluffs.com; $49-$95), a pristine, hilly, forested 1995 Tom Fazio design 20 miles north of the city in St. Charles.
Next, I might cross the Mississippi River into Waterloo, Illinois, 30 minutes south of St. Louis, for Annbriar (618-939-4653, annbriar.com; $42-$72), a handsome, unspoiled, 16-year-old Michael Hurdzan design that sports a linsky front nine and a wooded back nine.
Greater St. Louis is sprinkled with a half-dozen other worthy tests, but if you're looking to broaden your travel horizons, check out the three nines at Forest Park (314-367-1337, stlouis.missouri.org; $39-$49), situated practically in the urban heart of St. Louis. Though no one will ever use this moniker, it was recently renamed Norman K. Probstein Community Golf Course and Youth Learning Center in Forest Park, after the developer who poured a bunch of money into revitalizing the facilities. The courses date to 1913, but were substantially re-worked not long ago by Stan Gentry of Hale Irwin Design Services into a real treat, with tree-lined holes that ease through a huge city park that houses the zoo, art museum and other civic treasures. Dogwood and Redbud are the Championship nines, but the very walkable Hawthorne is good fun, too. If you want to soak up an experience that's pure St. Louis, play Forest Park.
As for a golf school, go with Heartland Golf Schools (314-453-0705, heartlandgolfschools.com). They're located at Annbriar, and sessions start the last week in March. So, weather permitting, you should have a pleasant golf/basketball doubleheader this spring.
Hi Joe,
I'm gonna be in the Palm Beach Gardens, Florida area in a couple of weeks. I'm looking for some good tracks to play in the $50-$150 range. I've played PGA National, but it's too expensive unless you're staying at the resort. I wouldn't mind driving anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes out. Any suggestions?
William Q.
Via email
Two nearby tracks (both within 15 minutes) that offer terrific value are the Links at Madison Green (561-784-5225, madisongreengolf.com; $50-$70) and North Palm Beach Country Club (561-691-3420, village-npb.org; $85-$125 through March 29 and $65-$85 March 30-April 30). Madison Green is a John Sanford design that splashes water on nearly every hole and serves up all manner of pot, beach and waste bunkers, the latter composed of sand and coquina shells and peppered with plantings.
North Palm Beach is an ancient country club, dating to the 1920s, but a substantial makeover by Jack Nicklaus in 2006 made it much longer and more challenging, notably via the many new lakes and the topsy-turvy greens. Still, several memorable holes along the Intracoastal Waterway will make you forget all about your three-putts.
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.
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.
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Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate
Orlando, Florida
The Unlimited Golf Stay & Play Package features room, breakfast at Trevi's, transportation to Disney attractions and unlimited golf on two Greg Norman designs as well as the lighted par-3 course.
Rates start at $386.86 based on double occupancy.
407-390-6664, omnihotels.com
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Amelia Island Plantation
Amelia Island, Florida
Amelia's Guilt-Free Golf Package features lodging, one round per day on Oak Marsh, Ocean Links or Amelia River, 25 percent off recreation, including green fees, a golf amenity upon arrival, pizza and beer on the second night, a complimentary drink at Falcon's Nest and a Guilt Gift to take home to that special someone for letting you take the trip.
Rates start at $247.50 per person, per night, based on two adults per bedroom and a two-night minimum stay.
888-261-6161, aipfl.com
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
If you want to ask Travelin' Joe a question, e-mail him at askjoe@golf.com.
Dear Joe,
We're coming down to the Phoenix area to catch the FBR Open, and we're staying to play golf for a week. My group is mostly low handicappers, between 3 and 10, and we've got a few top courses lined up. We've got one free day and would like to fill it with one more round. Do you have one hidden gem -- quality and price -- that you can recommend?
Sandy Laird
Englewood, Colorado
The best new course you can play in Phoenix isn't new -- but it is newly public. Southern Dunes Golf Club (480-367-8949, golfsoutherndunes.com; $49-$119) in Maricopa, 25 minutes south of Phoenix's Sky Harbor International Airport was a private men's club for its first six years of existence, where members included major championship winners Mark Calcavecchia and Steve Jones.
Unfortunately, it's an hour from Scottsdale, on the "wrong" side of town, so the business model didn't hold up -- but the course sure did. This big, bold layout might be the very best work that Lee Schmidt and Brian Curley have done, with broad, sweeping, fescue-framed fairways, deep, artfully contoured and strategically placed bunkers and masterfully crafted undulating greens.
Toss in unobstructed mountain and desert vistas, Troon Golf management and a green fee that's less than half of some of Scottsdale's trophy courses, and you have what I consider to be Arizona's best value.
Hello Joe,
I live in the Seattle area and I am planning a trip at the end of January. I'm kicking around Palm Springs or the Dallas area. Is there something in either of those areas that is both nice and economical? We're a group of six and looking for a package similar to what you would find at the Robert Trent Jones Trail in Alabama. We did that last year but ran into some unfriendly weather. However the tracks and unlimited golf were incredible. We're all low handicappers and looking for a challenge if there is one. I'm also considering Horseshoe Bay in the Austin area.
Jeff Jones
Seattle, Washington
Intriguing options, indeed, but let's break it down. First, you won't find anything remotely resembling the Trent Jones Trail anywhere -- it's one of a kind, even among other Trails. Now, if weather is an issue and you guys are good golfers, I'd forego Dallas and Austin this time around and stick with Palm Springs.
You'll find plenty of affordable, quality public golf in both Texas destinations, but in late January, you're looking at average daytime highs in the upper 50s in Dallas, lower 60s in Austin. Pay the freight and enjoy the 70- to 75-degree sunshine that Palm Springs has to offer.
One option is the Golf Package at Hyatt Grand Champions Resort, Villas and Spa (760-341-1000, grandchampions.hyatt.com), which includes golf at Indian Wells Golf Resort, lodging, full breakfast, a sleeve of logo balls and yes -- a GOLF Magazine subscription. Both Indian Wells courses are once and future Skins Game hosts, and you can't go wrong picking either the Clive Clark-designed Celebrity Course or the John Fought-crafted Players Course, each a sturdy, gorgeous test. Package prices start at $331 per person, per night, through February 28th.
Dear Joe:
We are going to Miami in March. Where would you recommend we play? We played Doral Blue last time.
Chris Kennedy
Omaha, Nebraska
Nothing like starting at the top and working your way down. Fortunately, it's not much of a stumble. Doral's Gold course (800-713-6725, doralresort.com; $175) features strategic bunkering, flat fairways with landing zones shrunk by March winds and water on 16 holes -- in other words, a similar experience to the Blue -- for roughly half the price.
For the ultimate in pampering, check out Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort & Club's Soffer course (305-932-6200, fairmont.com/turnberryisle; $250), complete with waterfalls, tropical vegetation and forecaddies, but you've got to stay there to play there.
For something new, try Normandy Shores Golf Club (305-868-6502, normandyshoresgolfclub.com; $90-$160), a 68-year-old muni in Miami Beach basking in a 2008 Arthur Hills extreme makeover. A great location, risk/reward holes and Sunshine State scenery adds up to pure fun.
