kfoody

If you don't watch any of their stuff already, I highly recommend watching Tourist Sauce and Strapped on the No Laying Up YouTube channel. Both series are all about taking trips with buddies - Tourist Sauce is on the more extravagant/expensive side and Strapped is all about golf on a budget. Hopefully you'll see something you like and at the very least should get the juices flowing for a good trip idea.
 

I'll just leave you with these 
 

It's difficult to get to but Bandon is a must visit. Kohler is supposed to be awesome as well. 

These are all great ideas, thanks guys.  We are looking at playing 4-8 rounds in maybe a five day trip.  I know it's vague but I need to make sure everyone in the group is on the same page with rounds.  Top of the Rock looks great but the RTJ Trail seems like more our direction.  I will also look into Streamsong, a guy at my club mentioned it as well.  I have a lot of time, so if you guys go on any trips that you absolutely loved, let me know.  Thanks again!!!

Lots of options. How many rounds in how many days?
RTJ trail as mentioned is a great option for variety and proximity to multiple courses.
Summer time in NY/NJ is going to traffic loaded especially weekends.
If distance isn’t an issue San Diego has a bunch of courses within a 45-60 minute drive of just about anywhere in the SD area.
If thinking about Florida the stream song resort gets good reviews

Pinehurst is hard to top, as I know you're aware. 
What about the RTJ Trail? Another up and coming destination they can be had for a good price is Top of the Rock in Branson,MO.   If you haven't heard of it, Google it.  The views and courses are stunning. 

Hey gang,
So I am looking at setting up our annual trip for next summer for 8 guys.  Traditionally we go to Pinehurst (past 15 years), but now the group has thought about expanding our horizons.  We are looking at playing some obviously nice courses while keeping the cost relatively cost friendly (under $1,500ish).  We are all on the East Coast but we are not opposed to travel.  Here are some ideas so far:  1.  Rent an Airbnb and play Bethpage Black and Red (one of our guys is a NY resident so he could book the tee time for black) and hit a few other courses in NY or NJ.  2.   Play Ocean City Maryland courses (we are only about an hour from there).  3.  Greenbrier WV  4.  TPC Sawgrass
We are open to anything except Myrtle Beach, we have done that too,  if there is any trips that you have gone on that are worth looking into please let me know your thoughts!  Thanks Spys

I don't think you'll have a problem hosting an Ohio Spies get together there. 😊. 

If you’re planning on spending X amount on dues, plan on 25-30% extra to include incidentals. 

I'd do it. I was fortunate to have a public course offer a 2 year deal last year for an unbelievably low price and I jumped on it. But, when the membership expires at the end of next year, I can't see myself not joining another club. In fact, I'm already looking at memberships for various clubs now and I hate to say it but Firestone is looking like the best value at the moment.

I hate to give a cop out answer but I think it comes down to the individual. I travel a ton so the league at my club is not an option. The guys I know that play in it love it. The under 35 guys at my club love it because it’s a great deal. The guys turning 35 tell me they probably won’t rejoin because of the bump in price, family, no longer a tax write off, etc...The older retired guys love it because it is their life. They are there every day and that is where all their friends are.

For me at 51 I’m glad I belong because I can just show up and play at pretty much any time. Pace of play is way better than public. The tournaments are a blast and the people are good. I play more golf than ever because it is easy when compared to public.

With that being said I find myself getting a little bored playing the same course the majority of the time. I feel like I should play when I really don’t feel like it because I’m paying for it. I have a guy trip to Florida next week and for the first time I’m a little meh about the trip because I’ve played so much this year. But I can’t imagine leaving the club either because the social aspect is great, the convenience can’t be beat and it is great taking my family there for dinner overlooking the course.

I say go for it but be prepared to be spoiled by access you will have to golf.


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Soldier Hollow (36 holes) is an easy drive down into the Heber Valley from PC and is a must play in my opinion. They’ve hosted some big amateur events.
Wasatch Mountain and Crater Springs are also really fun, nearby and reasonably priced.
If you don’t mind driving a little past SLC one day, Mount Ogden GC is one the quirkiest tracks I’ve ever played. The first time I played it, we immediately headed back out for another loop because it was so fun.
I’ll go through the yardage book collection and see if I can dig up a few more gems for ya.