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

Canadian Greetings, Joe,
We’re heading to Kauai in February for 12 days. I’ve noticed some resorts and courses offer 3-4 round packages. What do you recommend we do as we’re planning on playing six rounds. What’s the best value and what are MUST-plays?
Jay Janower
Canada

What’s hot on Kauai are vastly improved conditions at a fistful of A-List courses. Start with Princeville on the north shore, which reopened its underrated Makai ($145-$220; 808-826-1912, makaigolf.com) course in January 2010 as an 18-hole layout comprised of the old Lake and Ocean nines, with the Woods nine now a separate entity. If you can hold out until March 1 (or perhaps as early as February 8), you’ll witness the island’s best course, The Prince at Princeville, reopen following a thorough course renovation, together with makeovers for the practice range and clubhouse.

Roughly 12 months ago, Poipu Bay ($145-$240; 808-742-8711, poipubaygolf.com) reopened with new paspalum putting surfaces that have made for quicker, more consistent speeds. Of course, the old greens never bothered Phil Mickelson, who shot 59 there in the 2004 Grand Slam of Golf, or Tiger Woods, who won the event seven times. For me, it was always the stiff breezes at Poipu, not the grainy greens that drove up my score, but no question—the difference is striking.

Finally, Kauai Lagoons ($105-$195; 808-241-6000, kauailagoonsgolf.com) reopened its stellar ocean holes—including one brand new one—in May 2011 after a four-year hiatus. After playing there in September, I can tell you it was worth the wait. New white silica sand and TifEagle greens provided heightened aesthetics and playability, but it’s those fabulous four cliff-top stunners that play over and alongside the Pacific that will really impress.

Not so hot are traditional package deals on Kauai, or elsewhere on the islands. That’s not to say you can’t find good deals, but formal golf resort packages aren’t really part of the program, mostly (I’m guessing) because the powers-that-be don’t have to compete to get you there—you’ve already made the decision to go, so there’s more of a “captive audience” aspect to golf in the islands.

Regardless of where you’re staying, all of Kauai’s courses are easily accessible and there are plenty of savings to be had. Even if you’re going from south to north, or vice versa, much of it is a very attractive drive.

If this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, make the journey to play Princeville’s Makai, even if the Prince has yet to reopen. If you plan to return, perhaps wait until the Prince is back in play. It’s that good.

For best bargains, don’t miss Kiahuna ($72-$103; 808-742-9595, kiahunagolf.com), with its laid-back ambiance and superb greens. Wailua ($48-$60; 808-241-6666, kauai.gov/golf), the island’s muni, is even cheaper and has a couple of jaw-dropping ocean holes, but it’s much more crowded and offers iffier conditions. I’m a fan of Puakea ($59-$135; 808-245-8756, puakeagolf.com) as well, not far from the airport, where parts of the movie “Jurassic Park” were filmed. Each nine is saddled with a few dullards, but each nine also has some of the most beautiful, memorable golf holes you could ask for.

Every one of these courses offers a “deal.” Some are for multiple-play rounds during a week, or to play a second round at a reduced rate—along with the usual deep discounts for resort guests where relevant. If you’re going this route, I do like Kauai Lagoons’ deal of $495 for the week, which includes unlimited golf, engraved bag tag, club storage and even a lesson. The most consistent value is simply to play almost all of these courses in the afternoon, when prices drop by as much as 50 percent. My advice is to check the individual web sites for the deal that appeals to you most.

Bottom line: Among the public-access courses, I rate The Prince Course at the St. Regis Princeville as tops, closely followed by Kauai Lagoons, Makai and Poipu Bay. Yet, every course on Kauai is priced accordingly, so the value is relative. There’s certainly good, inexpensive golf here, but for the most part, on Kauai, you get what you pay for.

Hi Joe,
Our foursome is looking at Florida this year and was wondering which golf destination you would recommend based on price and golf quality. We are comparing the Innisbrook Resort in Tampa and the PGA Golf Resort in Port St. Lucie. We know the golf is great at Innisbrook but is very expensive. Your thoughts?
Craig Emuss
Toronto, Canada

Do you have any barber training? You’re just about splitting hairs here. Innisbrook is on a bit of a roll, with new ownership from the Salamander Group putting money into all facets of the resort. The vast, roomy lodges have always been more of a “guy” thing, as has the golf, especially the two signature tracks, Copperhead and Island, which demand many forced carries over sand and water to elevated greens. The surprisingly hilly Copperhead hosts the PGA Tour, and par seldom takes a beating, while Island played host to the 1990 Men’s NCAA Championship, where Arizona State’s Phil Mickelson took the individual title.

The other two courses, the North and the South are solid, but not necessarily memorable. I will say that the once-spartan accommodations have nicer accents these days and the restaurants and common areas have noticeable upgrades. I had an excellent filet, Oscar-style, at Packard’s Steakhouse on my last visit. The resort hardly rocks at night, but Tampa definitely has more off-course options than Port St. Lucie as well, if that’s important.

Hard partying isn’t something I associate with the lower-priced PGA Golf Resort, either, but the golf facilities are outstanding, especially for the price. There’s wonderful variety on the three courses, two by Tom Fazio and one by Pete Dye, and the practice ground is one of the finest I’ve experienced. I was smitten with the nine different practice bunkers that offered varied styles and even different sand, a treat for the golfer who travels.

Innisbrook has a little more cachet in its PGA Tour pedigree, more privacy by limiting outside play and more upscale facilities. PGA Golf Resort offers a ton of good things for the money, and its third-ranked course is far better than Innisbrook’s counterpart. Sorry, partner, you’ll have to flip a coin on this one.

Take It From Joe: Wrangling a Waialae Tee Time
This week’s PGA Tour venue, Waialae Country Club in Honolulu sports, an architecture pedigree that few other sites can match: It’s a Seth Raynor original. Raynor is hardly a household name to casual golf fans, but to design buffs, he’s pure gold. Few ever get to walk up and pay a green fee on a Raynor spread, because his finest creations are locked behind some of the sturdiest gates in golf.

A protégé of pioneer American architect C.B. Macdonald, Raynor crafted such low-key, Top 100 private gems as Fishers Island, Chicago Golf Club, Shoreacres, Camargo and Yeamans Hall. Waialae, which Raynor laid out just before he died in 1926, is not one of his shining stars, though to be fair, much of the magic has eroded over time, with the nines flipped and the design, bunkers and greens altered. It’s still got classic bones, however, and you can’t beat Honolulu’s climate.

Waialae is ostensibly private, but if you find yourself on Oahu and want to walk in the famous footsteps that have trod its fairways, including such past champions Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino, Hale Irwin and Ernie Els, book a stay at the Royal Hawaiian (808-923-7311, royal-hawaiian.com), part of the Luxury Collection, situated five miles from the course in Waikiki. Registered guests can inquire one week in advance, with play available Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and the occasional Friday. So this isn’t Pebble Beach—or even Kapalua. But a Seth Raynor course, 80 degrees, tropical breezes and PGA Tour history? Sign me up.

(Photo: Princeville Resort)

For the first time, Black Diamond Ranch—Florida's greatest piece of golf property—is permitting outside play. The rolling country, split-rail fences and live oaks create a bucolic idyll, and the 45 holes of Tom Fazio golf rank among the best in the U.S.

The Quarry course, a Top 100 staple, boasts five straight killer holes, Nos. 13-17, which play around and over a yawning, 100-foot chasm lined with white limestone rock. The wonderful and underrated Ranch course has superb bunkering and exciting elevation change.

The Pure Golf Getaway includes two nights' accommodations in a Black Diamond home and golf over all 45 holes. Rates start at $399 per person, based on quadruple occupancy. Situated 90 minutes north of Tampa and Orlando, it's a hike, but it's well worth the trek and the price. 352-453-5473, blackdiamondranch.com.

For more exclusive travel deals and packages, go to iTunes and download Golf Magazine's Front9 app, available for use on the iPad and iPhone.

(Photo: John and Jeaninne Henebry)

Dear Joe,
My wife and I are taking a two-week trip to the Hawaiian Islands in early January to celebrate our 25th anniversary. We both want to play a few rounds over the two weeks. This is our first time in Hawaii, so any recommendations are appreciated.
—Sunil Kochhar, Savigny, Switzerland

You're traveling a long way, so do it right with a "special occasion" itinerary. My first choice, Kapalua's Plantation on Maui, is likely off-limits, as the PGA Tour pros open their season there the first week of the new year, so stick with the Kohala Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii, which offers the most reliable early January weather.

Don't miss Mauna Kea ($155-$250; 808-882-5400, princeresortshawaii.com/mauna-kea-golf-course) on the Big Island, home to Hawaii's most spectacular hole, the 272-yard, over-the-ocean, par-3 3rd. However, Mauna Kea is rugged golf.

If you want softer but still scenic seaside play, opt for the Jack Nicklaus-designed Hualalai ($250; 808-325-8000, fourseasons.com/hualalai), though you'll have to stay at the pricey but superb Four Seasons Hualalai to tee it up.

Framed by stark lava rocks, the South Course at Mauna Lani ($165-$265; 808-885-6655, maunalani.com) is another friendly layout option. Maui, Oahu, Kauai and Lana'i also boast dozens of other can't-go-wrong choices—golf and otherwise—but at that time of year, go Big (Island) or go home.

Hey Joe,
My wife and I will be traveling to Scottsdale this December with our 13-year-old daughter. We're all on the north side of 18 handicaps. We'd like to experience desert golf that's fun but not too tough. Any suggestions?
—David Danielson, Cleveland, Ohio

Here are my top three courses in the Greater Phoenix area for playability, scenery and architectural interest. The North Course at Talking Stick ($40-$175, with a 1 p.m. and later December rate of $80; 480-860-2221, talkingstickgolfclub.com) is a flat Bill Coore/Ben Crenshaw design with no homes or roads affecting play and occasional wild horse sightings.

The Phoenician ($60-$189, with a Family Tees program available; 480-423-2450, thephoenician.com) sports more forced carries over water and desert, but the short and in-your-face mountain encounters make it sporty for all.

Finally, there's Longbow ($58-$155, with special rates for juniors; 480-807-5400, longbowgolf.com) in Mesa. Bold bunkering, mountain vistas, terrific variety and value define this 1997 Ken Kavanaugh design.

Dear Joe,
My family is headed to Palm Desert, Calif., over Christmas. My brothers and I, ages 26-32, are average weekend golfers who would like to play two or three rounds. Our price range is $60-$150. Any suggestions on courses with good views that will leave us with a few bucks for a beer at the 19th hole?
—Patrick Read, Baltimore, Md.

Ah, yes—the golf-beer balance is a delicate one, indeed. I hope you like PBR, because you'll only have a buck or two left after your Saturday round at La Quinta Resort & Club's Mountain course ($139-$189 in December; 760-564-7610, laquintaresort.com). But it will taste great after you duel with a back nine that boasts the reachable par-5 15th—its green curled into a mountain cove—and the downhill par-3 16th, a forced carry to a sliver of green hemmed in by rocky desert scrub.

To save enough cash for the imported stuff, try the region's best bargain, Escena Golf Club ($60-$105; 760-778-2737, escenagolf.com), a six-year-old Nicklaus Design effort near the Palm Springs Airport. There are wide fairways and bunkers that a 15-handicapper can escape, with just enough water to keep things interesting.

The middle-ground pricewise is Marriott's Desert Springs ($135 in December, $79 after 2 pm; 760-341-2211, desertspringsresort.com), whose Palm and Valley courses won't wow you with design innovation but will knock you over with scenery, from waterscapes to towering palms to mountain views.

Hello Joe,
I'm going to spend a week in the Ft. Myers, Fla., area. What courses would you recommend in the $100-$150 range?
—Herman Schnieders, via e-mail

Bargains in southwest Florida are pretty rare, but there are still a few options. Start with Old Corkscrew ($85-$125; 239-949-4700, oldcorkscrew.com), a vintage Jack Nicklaus creation 25 miles south of Ft. Myers in Estero that's a playful blend of sand, water and wetlands, and whose back tees stretch to 7,393 yards.

Riverwood ($65 in December; 941-764-6661, riverwoodgc.com) is worth the hour's trek north to Port Charlotte. The 7,004-yard Gene Bates design zigzags through woods on the front nine and salt marshes on the back.

Closer to Ft. Myers, your best values are the watery but spacious Stoneybrook ($67.50-$105; 239-948-3933, stoneybrookgolfestero.com) in Estero, and Eastwood ($40-$60; 239-321-7487, cityftmyers.com/eastwood), a tight, heavily bunkered 34-year-old Devlin/Von Hagge effort.

(Photo: Larry Lambrecht)

Four years after a $150 million renovation was completed at the 392-room Turnberry Isle Miami, this Golf Magazine Premier Resort Silver Medalist still shines as bright as the Florida sun.

Raymond Floyd re-energized the property's 36 holes, originally designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., adding contoured fairways, waste areas and new bunkering. The Soffer Course, named for the property's owner, is the longer (7,047 yards) and tougher of the pair, with palm tree-lined fairways plus an island green on the 18th hole, adjacent to the state's largest waterfall.

The Miller Course (shorter by almost 700 yards) makes good use of Lake Julius on numerous back-nine holes. Any pain inflicted by high scores can be eased at The Spa & Fitness Center (where you might consider a golf-swing analysis and fitness assessment) or by soaking up the sun a short shuttle ride away at the resort's private Ocean Club on the Atlantic.

Michael Mina's Bourbon Steak is the top dining option at the resort, located 20 minutes south of Fort Lauderdale Airport and 30 minutes north of Miami's South Beach.

Stay and Play packages start at $649. 305-932-6200, turnberryislemiami.com

(Photo: Nile Young)

In 1965, Arnold Palmer blistered four-year-old Bay Hill in 66 shots, crushing his exhibition playing partners, including Jack Nicklaus, by seven shots. Instantly smitten, The King bought it outright a few years later, and ever since, Arnie and Bay Hill have gone together like beer and pretzels.

The PGA Tour has made this quintessentially Florida (read: flat, watery, sand-swamped) Dick Wilson design a late-March stop since 1979, and Palmer has never stopped tinkering with it.

Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge is offering its 50th Anniversary Package, which includes accommodations, 18 holes (or one 50-minute spa treatment), breakfast buffet, special limited-edition pin flag, a bottle of wine from the Arnold Palmer label and a commemorative Golden Umbrella lapel pin.

Package rates start at $307 per night. Arnold Palmer sightings: free.

888-422-9445, bayhill.com

(Photo: Bay Hill)

Travelin' Joe has played more than 1,500 courses and has an opinion on each of them. Here are five that deserve more love, and five high-profilers that puzzle me.

5 THAT I LOVE

1. Black Diamond (Quarry), Lecanto, Fla.
After years of high rankings, some have found flaws in this Diamond (pictured). Outside of homes encroaching on the front nine and perhaps some hit-and-miss conditioning, I can't see them, even with a jeweler's glass.

2. Blackwolf Run (River), Kohler, Wisc.
The River has suffered from three factors: a brief closure for renovation in '09, the splintering from its original 1988 layout and inevitable comparisons to its sibling, Whistling Straits. When the U.S. Women's Open visits in 2012, competitors will rediscover one of Pete Dye's greatest strategy-laced creations.

3. Desert Forest, Carefree, Ariz.
This favorite of Tom Weiskopf is the closest thing the Arizona desert has to a classic course. While narrow and framed with mostly trees and unplayable underbrush, it does put supreme emphasis on thoughtful ball placement. This low-profile 1962 design was ahead of its time.

4. The Country Club, Pepper Pike, Ohio
No designer in history built better gooseneck green complexes than William Flynn, the kind where only properly placed drives would reap the benefit on the approach. He did brilliant work on this suburban Cleveland layout, where a recent renovation makes it worth a look.

5. Prestwick, Ayrshire, Scotland
The quirkiest "championship" course violates every rule of modern course design, yet succeeds in the "fun" department better than most highly-ranked courses. Long, blind par 3s, oncoming trains in the line of play, the freakishly deep, hidden bunker guarding the "Alps" 17th green—it all adds up to greatness in my book.

5 ... NOT SO MUCH

1. Colonial Country Club, Ft. Worth, Tex.
Storied Colonial has slipped in the respect department over the years, and I can see why. I love the Hogan aura and mystique, but this flat, cramped layout doesn't really inspire architecturally, nor does it sufficiently test the pros. Even par used to contend. Now, it won't even make the cut.

2. Sutton Bay, Agar, S.D.
Blame nature for the demise of one of the most acclaimed new courses of the past 10 years. Tragically, this 2003 Graham Marsh bluff-top prairie design is literally breaking apart due to fissures in fairways and greens caused by shifting landforms and will likely soon be abandoned.

3. Royal County Down, Newcastle, Northern Ireland
One of my personal favorites combines unmatched beauty and brawn, but wow—when the wind blows, the many blind, narrow, gorse-guarded valley fairways and infamous eyebrow bunkers make for a march of holes that are relentlessly penal.

4. Carnoustie (Championship), Carnoustie, Scotland
I have friends, all better players than I, who place Carnoustie on the top rung. Yes, it's great, but its lack of sea views, the overly punishing, artificial looking bunkers, and the strangely placed water features menacing the final two holes all leave me cold.

5. World Woods (Pine Barrens), Brooksville, Fla.
This is one of the nation's best values, but I'm surprised it hangs on to its lofty rankings since so many superior public and private courses have emerged in the past 18 years. The solitude, risk/reward options and Pine Valley-esque features remain appealing, but their novelty has long since faded for me.

(Photo: John and Jeaninne Henebry)

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

Dear Joe,
What courses are still going to be in good shape in greater Scottsdale in late June?
M. Kneck
Via email

Courses in the hot box that is Scottsdale in late June are generally in surprisingly good shape. The Bermuda that came in during the spring is good-looking and plays great. The wilting comes as the nights get hotter and when the monsoons arrive in mid- to late July. Golf in Arizona can be hellish for some at that time of year, but for others, it’s heaven, thanks to the bargain basement prices at five-star properties. Here are a few suggestions:

I have to tip my hat the TPC Scottsdale (480-585-4334, tpc.com/Scottsdale) for some innovative marketing. Start with their 36-hole Summer Special, good for the month of June, where $99 will get you a morning round over the recently re-designed Champions course and an afternoon romp on the famous Stadium, home to the rowdiest galleries in golf every January when the PGA Tour’s Waste Management Phoenix Open stops by. If you can’t stand the heat—well, that much heat—you can sign up for a $120 deal where you have five days to play both courses.

I’m also a fan of Grayhawk’s (480-502-1800, grayhawkgolf.com) Penguin promotion, where $55 gets you golf at one of two Tour-tested courses, cart, practice balls and lunch or dinner at Phil’s Grill, Quill Creek Café or on the course. The Tom Fazio-designed Raptor has a superb finish, but the Graham-Panks-designed Talon is equally memorable.

Finally, for a short, one-hour road trip that delivers you into the kind of Wild West you remember from John Wayne movies, try Rancho de los Caballeros (928-684-5484, ranchodeloscaballeros.com) in Wickenburg. It’s just $49 for golf, cart and lunch and the rollicking ride through the desert will test both clubs and camera. Horseback riding gets equal billing with the golf at this wonderful small resort, so saddle up and enjoy.

Dear Joe,
My wife and I are headed to Park City, Utah in June. Where should I play? The only price restriction is that it cannot cost more than the two massages that my wife is getting. Thanks for your input.
Ethan
Winston-Salem, N.C.

The miniscule price for great golf in the Park City area will loosen up those neck and back muscles for certain. For your splurge, tee it up at Victory Ranch ($150; 435-735-5030, victoryranchclub.com), a 7,599-yard, 2009 Rees Jones creation that is a wall-to-wall thrill ride from start to finish. Opened as a private club, Victory Ranch’s real estate and private memberships faced a tough economy out of the blocks, so recently, they’ve moved to a “club guest” program, where members for a day can pay the green fee and play.

New manager OB Sports has smoothed out the rough edges and has it in tip-top shape, the better to enjoy this mostly treeless mountain track that meanders atop rock ridges, plunges through canyons and serves up panoramas of the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains, streams and the Jordanelle Reservoir. Is it worth one and a half Franklins? Yes, if you want scenic overload and shotmaking memories for a lifetime.

Almost tragically, the vast majority of Park City golf is strictly private. Among the superb set-ups are Promontory, Glenwild, Red Ledges and Talisker at Tuhaye. Nevertheless, you’re in luck. Within 11 miles of Park City are four of the best public bargains in the U.S., the Lake and Mountain courses at Wasatch Mountain State Park (435-654-0532, stateparks.utah.gov) and Soldier Hollow's (435-654-7442, soldierhollow.com) two tracks, the Gold and Silver. Each is only $40 to play and that includes the cart. In particular, the Gene Bates-designed Gold at Soldier Hollow, which plays host to the USGA’s Amateur Public Links Championship in 2012, is a stunner at 7,598 elevated yards, with incredible views of Heber Valley and Mt. Timpanogos.

Dear Joe,
In June, I will be in Orlando, Florida for a week. What do you suggest for a 15-year-old with a 15 handicap? $20-$60 is my price range.
Andrew A.
Texas

Florida golf prices are at lowest ebb during summer, so go be a 15-year-old and play all day! Start with Falcon’s Fire (407-239-5445, falconsfire.com), a totally fun, Marriott-managed, Rees Jones design that was refurbished in 2010. Mounds, water hazards (memorably at the banana-shaped, 379-yard, par-4 13th) and fast, intriguingly contoured greens are highlights. Best of all, Falcon Fire’s Junior (16-and under) rate is a smokin’ $35.

A second reasonably priced favorite in O-Town is MetroWest ($49-$59; 407-299-1099, metrowestgolf.com), another Marriott Golf property, which sits just minutes from Universal Studios Orlando. There’s something about this 1984 Robert Trent Jones Sr. design that just agrees with me, from the Master’s familiar hazard-guarded, elevated greens, to the unusual rolling (for Florida) terrain to, well, the price tag.

Finally, you can’t be a kid in Orlando and not pay your respects to Mickey, so let’s get you over to Disney World (407-939-4653, Disneyworld.disney.go.com/golf) for a summer golf buffet. During June, all four of Disney’s championship tests are $59 to play between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and $49 after 3. As a 15-handicap, you’ve definitely got enough game to handle the Magnolia, which hosts the final round of a PGA Tour event every year. Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods have both won here, but Magnolia is best known for its watery finish and for its bunker at the par-3 6th, shaped in the image of Mickey Mouse’s ears.

Many contend that the Palm is every bit as good—or better—than Magnolia, while I’m of the opinion that the Tom Fazio-designed Osprey Ridge is best of the bunch. However, if you’re playing alone, call ahead for walking policies. Most courses aren’t in the habit of renting golf carts to 15-year-olds.

For a pure muni experience where you can walk and pretty much wear what you want, try Dubsdread ($25-$61; 407-246-2551, historicaldubsdread.com), a former Tour site that dates to 1924. Juniors (17 and under) pay $16 to walk during the week, $20 on the weekend and another $8 bucks for a cart—but you’ve got to show a valid driver’s license to get one. Try a $6 pullcart instead.

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

Dear Joe,
We are looking for some excellent golf courses near Hazelton, Pa. We are two couples who have handicaps between 8 and 10 and we like very nice courses. We saw Eagle Rock Resort and we were wondering if that is good and if there are courses nearby that would meet our criteria. We belong to private golf clubs and could possibly get on through reciprocity. We would be traveling by car from New York. Please let us know your thoughts.
Aimee Bieber
Via email

Aptly named Eagle Rock ($45-$75; 570-384-6616, eaglerockresort.com) is your best base of operations as it’s very close to the heart of Hazelton, in the Blue Mountains, roughly 50 miles northwest of Allentown. This 11-year-old Arnold Palmer co-design features boulder work throughout, shoring up elevated greens and serving as unyielding, if handsome hazards. Your eagles might fly at round’s end, where the par-4 17th is just 324 yards from the tips and the par-5 18th is 468 yards. There’s another shortish, but challenging nine-holer on the property as well.

It’s only about 40 miles east to the Poconos, where a treasure trove of courses awaits. Jack Frost National ($40-$70; 570-443-2414, jackfrostnational.com) is even closer, a 25-mile drive to a ski/golf facility in Blakeslee, not far from the Pocono International Raceway. At 7,256 yards, this Terry Lagree/Mark Brown design features all of the challenge and panoramas you’d expect from mountain golf, but embraces strategy and fairness in equal measures.

Finally, try your private club connections at Huntsville Golf Club (golf-huntsville.com) in Lehman, a few minutes northwest of Wilkes-Barre. This brawny, beautiful Rees Jones design is draped seamlessly atop rolling terrain and overflows with solid, striking holes.

Hey, Joe,
I’m sure you get hundreds of these requests for recommendations a day, so I’d be amazed if I got a response. My wife and I are interested in taking a week-long trip to “somewhere” in early June for some golf, relaxation and to celebrate our anniversary. We don’t mind a bit of a drive from down here in south Georgia. We both want to play quality courses but value a relaxing atmosphere above all else. This trip is not a golf death march, just a few rounds spread over the week. We really don’t want to spend more than $300-$350 a day on golf and lodging. Somewhere with a beach and decent, nearby food would be nice, too. Any recommendations?
Michael Misinco
Byromville, Ga.

Prepare to be amazed! The best all-around value for your requirements is Litchfield Beach and Golf Resort (888-766-4633, litchfieldbeach.com) in Pawleys Island, S.C., about 30 miles south of Myrtle Beach. Litchfield is right on the beach, with a variety of accommodations, plus on-site golf—with a half-dozen other fine tracks within a mile. In early June, you can reserve a one-bedroom oceanfront suite at Litchfield’s Bridgewater and combine with golf for just what you’re looking to spend. Sure, it’s a 330-mile drive, but what you get is a gorgeous beach, a buffet of terrific, scenic courses, superb nearby dining and plenty of entertaining attractions. You’re also sufficiently removed from the maddening downtown Myrtle Beach crowds.

Among the couples-friendly courses within a mile or two are Litchfield C.C., Tradition Club and Willbrook Plantation, and of course, don’t miss Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, which zigzags through live oaks and edges the Waccamaw River. I can recommend Frank’s for special occasion Lowcountry fare that’s within a half-mile of your hotel. Away from the beach and golf course, check out Brookgreen Gardens, one of the South’s most memorable collections of flora and fauna, and shop locally for two of the state’s most famous exports, rope hammocks and sweetgrass baskets.

If that drive sounds too daunting, try Palmetto Dunes Resort (palmettodunes.com) on Hilton Head Island, approximately 200 miles from your home. A three-night, three-round golf package, in a 2-bedroom villa, starts at $178 per person, per night, which is pretty close to your $350 daily limit.

Hi Joe,
Me and my buddies are going to Ft. Myers and are looking to play three or four courses in three days. I’ve heard good things about Old Corkscrew and don’t mind the rate but was wondering if you had some other reasonable options. Thanks for the help.
Derek Rochester
Via email

Old Corkscrew (239-949-4700, oldcorkscrew.com) is indeed your starting point. Situated 25 miles south of Ft. Myers, the Jack Nicklaus-designed Old Corkscrew is a blur of sand, water, wetlands and pines, in an exciting, but exhausting package if you’re spraying it. Stay away from the 7,393-yard tips, (76.1/142) and you’ll enjoy. It’s $100 to play through May 31, $85 beginning June 1—and only $50 starting at 1:40 p.m.

Bargains in the region begin with nearby Stoneybrook ($32-$47 through May 31; 239-948-3933, stoneybrookgolffm.com), a wide but watery 7,314-yard test; Eastwood Golf Course ($25-$30 through May 31; 239-321-7487, cityftmyers.com/eastwood), a Devlin-Von Hagge creation that demands precision both from the tee and on approaches, thanks to doglegs, lakes and bunkers at every turn; and Riverwood ($50 in May and June; 941-769-6661, riverwoodgc.com), a Gene Bates design that traverses salt marshes, which is definitely worth the hour-long journey north to Port Charlotte.

(Photo: Courtesy of Eagle Rock Resort)

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

Hi, Joe:
We would like to plan our yearly golf trip around the Kentucky Derby, the first week of May. Could you recommend a home base/resort within two hours with at least 36 holes and some solid tracks to play close by?
—Mark Johnston, Ayr, Ontario, Canada

Gallop off to French Lick, Indiana, 60 miles from Louisville. The French Lick Resort (888-936-9360, frenchlickresort.com; May packages from $319) sports two handsomely restored hotels, the French Lick Springs and the amazing, domed West Baden Springs, plus casino gaming, spa and 45 holes. Most prominent is the two-year-old Pete Dye course, a ridge-top, 8,100-yard beautiful brute that will slap you silly if you're hitting it crooked.

More soothing, except on the wildly sloping greens, is the Donald Ross course, a 94-year-old layout expertly restored by Lee Schmidt that hosted the 1924 PGA Championship, won by Walter Hagen. An ancient nine-holer, the Valley Links, completes the offerings.

Dear Joe:
I just ordered tickets to the 2011 Players Championship. Where can we play some golf in the Ponte Vedra area wthout having to spend a fortune?
—Karl Smith, via e-mail

Public-access tracks in the vicinity of a big-time event typically jack up their rates during tournament week. The Arthur Hills-designed Windsor Parke (904-223-4653, windsorparke.com) in Jacksonville is an affordable exception. Its Players Week rates won't be established until one month out, but the club says it won't be much higher than the posted fees, which are $55 weekdays, $70 weekends. And it's conveniently located between downtown Jacksonville and the beaches.

For a splurge, pay the $199 premium to play the Slammer & Squire Course at World Golf Village (normally $49-$169; 904-940-6088, golfwgv.com). Both the Slammer & Squire (designed by Bobby Weed, with Sam Snead and Gene Sarazen) and the King & Bear (a Palmer/Nicklaus collaboration) are among the region's best. Then you can tour the World Golf Hall of Fame after your round.

Dear Joe,
What courses would you recommend in the Cape Cod, Massachusetts area? I've booked a trip in May and wondered if you would pick any of the courses I chose.
—Bryan Rhoads, via e-mail

It's hard tearing Travelin' Joe away from a platter of Ipswich whole belly fried clams when he's out on the Cape, but 18 holes on a breezy spring day just might do it. Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club ($115-$145; 508-896-9000, oceanedge.com) in Brewster is a favorite since the Nicklaus Design makeover in 2008, but you have to stay there if you want to play it.

Among the public plays, Cranberry Valley ($38-$84; 508-430-5234, cranberrygolfcourse.com) in Harwich is more sweet than tart, with holes that melt into the terrain, but the tree-lined, gently bunkered Geoffrey Cornish design will make you pucker at the 18th, a 575-yard double-dogleg par-5.

Technically not on Cape Cod, but worth the ferry ride to Martha's Vineyard, is Farm Neck ($50-$150; 508-693-3057, farmneck.net), a presidential hangout for good reason—plenty of privacy and lots of jaw-dropping views of Nantucket Sound.

Dear Joe,
Our group is looking for a course to play on a Sunday morning in early May that's relatively close to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. We're already playing the Boulders, Talking Stick, Grayhawk and Troon North on Wednesday through Saturday, and we're considering either the Legacy Golf Resort or Raven at South Mountain for Sunday. Which would you recommend?
—Jim Esdale, Birmingham, Ala.

It's pretty to hard to go wrong with either of the Sunday choices that you've mentioned. Both Legacy ($39-$159; 602-305-5550, legacygolfphoenix.com) and Raven ($49-$150; 602-243-3636, ravenatsouthmountain.com) are Gary Panks designs that are blanketed with mature vegetation. Raven's the marginally tougher and longer choice, while Legacy is slightly closer to the airport, although both are 15 minutes or less. With everything else being equal, I would say that you should probably give the nod to the Raven, which will have a $79 rack rate on a Sunday morning in May, versus $109 at Legacy.

(Photo: Brian Walters/Links Imaging)

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

Dear Joe,
I'm planning a trip to Maui in April. Are there any "affordable" gems there? Makena looks like the closest thing to being "affordable." I'm planning two rounds: one value round and one where I pony up.
—Eric Haechrel, via e-mail

Enjoy a few rum-filled coconuts: You'll need to sleep in for the best value on Maui. Makena Golf Resort ($59-$179; 808-891-4000; makenagolf.com) is down to one course, the North, but it's a Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed dandy that darts up and down the slopes of Haleakala, with fairways edged by gullies and lava rock. Ocean backdrops are constant companions. Non-resort guests who can wait until noon will pay $119 in April; after 2 p.m., it's $99. On May 1, the after-2 rate plummets to $59.

A worthy alternative is the Dunes at Maui Lani ($79-$125; 808-873-7911, dunesatmauilani.com). For a splurge, I've always liked Kapalua's Plantation ($158-$268; 808-669-8044, kapaluamaui.com), though its wild, woolly ride isn't for everybody. A safer pick is Wailea ($160-$225; 808-875-7450, waileagolf.com). Play the flower-powered Emerald if you're paired with family, and the Gold—with its steep bunkers and forced carries—if you're a low-handicapper.

Dear Joe,
We have a group of eight looking for a trip around Masters weekend. We live in Minnesota and want to go somewhere warm and dry. Any ideas about where we could go for a reasonable price?
—Scott Buettner, via e-mail

I'm no Al Roker, but Minnesota golf in April could mean snowmen—and I don't mean 8's on your card. Hop a plane to Tucson, Ariz., where airfare is mitigated by cheap golf and balmy weather. Arizona National ($49-$89; 520-749-3636, arizonanationalgolfclub.com) is a 1995 RTJ Jr. creation that sports cactus-framed fairways and serious elevation changes—the par-5 closer plunges 100 feet!

Vistoso ($49-$89; 520-797-9900, vistosogolf.com) is a Tom Weiskopf stunner near the Santa Catalina Mountains with deep bunkers and strategic options galore.

For tree-lined, Minnesota-style golf, do "The Dell," the city-owned Dell Urich GC, or its sibling, Randolph North ($48-$80; 520-791-4161, tucsoncitygolf.com). They'll both make you feel at home, minus the frostbite.

Hi Joe,
I'm going to spend a couple of days in Greenville, S.C., and I was wondering if you could recommend any worthwhile courses in the area.
—Philip Royce, St. Cloud, Minn.

Clemson is best known as a football power, and its recent-vintage course is definitely bowl-worthy. The Walker Course at Clemson University ($38-$56; 864-656-0236, Clemson.edu/centersinstitutes/madren/golf) is named for John E. Walker Sr.—carts are permitted—and sits 40 minutes from Greenville. Densely treed, with well-placed if shallow bunkers, the Walker hits its stride on the closing holes, notably the 17th. Known as "Tiger Paw," this 192-yard par-3 plays to a peninsula green jabbed into Lake Hartwell.

Closer to Greenville proper are River Falls Plantation ($44.25-$54.75; 864-433-9192, riverfallsgolf.com), a wooded, watery Gary Player design with a bit of elevation change that features risk/reward par-5s that close both nines; and Verdae Greens ($48-$58; 864-676-1500, verdaegreens.com), a former Nationwide Tour site that sports plenty of carries over a mountain brook that twists through the layout.

If you've got time for a journey through Blue Ridge country, Sequoyah National Golf Club ($65-$110; 828-497-3000, harrahscherokee.com), a stunning Robert Trent Jones II/Notah Begay creation on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains, awaits across the North Carolina border.

Dear Joe,
I'm headed to Florida for Easter with my in-laws. They're in the Daytona Beach area—near New Smyrna Beach. If I can sneak away for one round, what are my best options?
—Dave Danielson, via e-mail

Ah, the forbidden holiday golf, when you straddle that fine line between pure links pleasure and alienating your wife and family. Get thee to two terrific courses. Victoria Hills ($35-$59; 386-738-6000, victoriahillsgolf.com) in Deland, a half-hour from Daytona, is a 10-year-old Ron Garl design. It rolls for 7,149 yards through towering pines and sprawling sand splashes—and it's drier than a martini, with water in play on just a few holes. You can walk for under $40 after noon.

For more strategic bunkering, wavy terrain and low green fees, the Deltona Club ($30-$50; 386-789-4911, thedeltonaclub.com) is a must-play—and it's only 10 miles south of Deland. This unheralded course will save you a few bucks compared to most tracks of this quality. That's cash you'll need to buy "forgive me" flowers for the missus.

(Photo: Evan Schiller)