2024 My Golf Spy Outing-Initial Discussion Update

[Golfspy_CG2]

So I posted this in the Good Morning thread in response to a question there.  But wanted to move it here to continue the discussion or open it to any questions.  I;ll be happy to answer anything that I do know for certain at this point even thought no final location has been locked in. 

AS of 11/7/2023

Plans for the 2024 outing are still being made, I along with the help of @Getoffmylawn have been doing a lot of information gathering to find the best combinations of venue, location and price for next year. 

One thing to slightly correct what Easy Putter said, the past two outings were not just Regional Outings, they are open to every forum member regardless of where they live.  It just happened that they were both East Coast. Research for 2024 has literally encompassed coast to coast locations.

We hope to have something to announce in the next couple weeks at the latest.   But I will drop a few helpful thoughts for people to start thinking/planning.

While we don't limit the size of the group we typically start with a estimated size of 16 to 20.  I think we had 12 in Maryland and 16 in North Carolina.   So initial spots may fill up fast, if so we will reach out to the course to add more spots. 

It'll likely to be a 3 day, 3 round deal, arriving on a Thursday departing on Sunday,  with 18 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  An option to play 36 on any of those days will be up to the individuals at the time.   Feedback from the last group was 36 was a lot for some in the group, and took away from the opportunity to enjoy casual down time hanging out with the group. 

While a date is not confirmed yet, you might start looking at your calendars for late May.  

Once announced deposits will be needed right away in order to confirm your spot.  A variety of proposals have come in, and they range from around $600 per person to $1800 per person, to include all golf and lodging.   Rest easy, the $1800 will not be selected.  So look for something right in the middle of those two as the likely package. 

Lodging will likely be cottage or villa style.   Villas that sleep 4 or cottages/house that may accommodate 8 to 12.  There  may be a mix of single rooms and some with double rooms--separate beds of course, but we don't judge  

As I said more to come soon, but that should give some information for those interest to start thinking about it.

Tagging the other Mods so they can keep up to date  @GolfSpy BOS  @GolfSpy_APH @GolfSpy SAM   @GolfSpy_BNG    @Ben Joest   @Jnoble89 @Lacassem

 

 

[JohnSmalls]

29 minutes ago, Golfspy_CG2 said:

separate beds of course

This is for you @Jwc5149

[JohnSmalls]

Paging @cksurfdude @Tom the Golf Nut @Brother Dave @McGolf @Siamese Moose @Gmangolfr @EasyPutter @cnosil @Hoyoymac, and anyone I missed from the Pinehurst crew (that's not already tagged).

 

Edited November 7, 2023 by JohnSmalls

[cksurfdude]

I'm in!! 

(..presuming all aging body parts are also willing and agree to cooperate... )

The last two East Coast outings were really fun .. encourage anyone even remotely interested to start your getaway fund .. the golf and the experience are well with it!!

[cksurfdude]

Destinations -

If it's not already on the list of candidates, I'd like to suggest..

Sand Valley / Mammoth Dunes

 

Oh, PS: THANK YOU!!! @Golfspy_CG2 and @Getoffmylawn for working on this!!

 

 

Edited November 7, 2023 by cksurfdude

[GolfSpy AFG]

52 minutes ago, cksurfdude said:

Destinations -

If it's not already on the list of candidates, I'd like to suggest..

Sand Valley / Mammoth Dunes

 

Oh, PS: THANK YOU!!! @Golfspy_CG2 and @Getoffmylawn for working on this!!

 

 

Thanks Chuck!

So, Sand Valley is definitely on the list of candidates every year, and every year I’m sure we’ll get pricing, but frankly they’re not the most budget-friendly.  
The main goal is to find a site that allows for the community and camaraderie when not on the course from a lodging perspective, and is also reasonably priced to make sure it’s affordable for the bulk of the membership.  Places like Sand Valley and Big Cedar Lodge (which we also looked into) are very much on the high end of things as far as lodging costs.

Rest assured, I think we (primarily Rob) have found a really good package that will produce another awesome experience for everyone.

[cksurfdude]

8 minutes ago, Getoffmylawn said:

Rest assured, I think we (primarily Rob) have found a really good package that will produce another awesome experience for everyone.

Sounds great!! Thx guys!!

[Shrek74]

If you're taking suggestions, I'd like to throw in Fairfield Glade, TN.
www.fairfieldgladeresort.com

5 18-hole courses inside the community. All with ranges/practice greens and 2 with chipping areas.
Wyndham manages the resort side, so rentals can be gotten through there as one option.
There are also many owners who have condos for rent here, and we have multiple realtors who work with those owners to get them rented that can be put in tough with the organizers.
It's a bit more towards central, even though it's East biased.
Nashville and Knoxville airports are closest, but others are within driving distance.
Fees are very reasonable, even for visitors. I'm sure with a certain number of guaranteed tee times and with the MGS name, discounts can surely be had.
Beautiful surroundings here in the TN Plateau for those that want some relaxing downtime along with the golf.

Yes, I'm biased as I've been coming here with my family since I was a kid and my parents live here now and even I just moved here in June. Definitely worth considering for many quality reasons.

[JohnSmalls]

1 hour ago, cksurfdude said:

Destinations -

If it's not already on the list of candidates, I'd like to suggest..

Sand Valley / Mammoth Dunes

 

Oh, PS: THANK YOU!!! @Golfspy_CG2 and @Getoffmylawn for working on this!!

 

 

Second this!  Can't thank you guys enough for all of the leg work and planning you do to create an awesome weekend  @Golfspy_CG2 @Getoffmylawn

[Berg Ryman]

Will echo what @Golfspy_CG2 said about as to these events. Hopefully we can fit the budget and time for this upcoming one. We'll see!

[GolfSpy_SHARK]

Looking forward to seeing where we end up! Hopefully I can make it work this year.

[Preeway]

Putting this at the top of my list for reasons to save up money. Thanks again to those putting the planning together. 

[JohnSmalls]

25 minutes ago, Lacassem said:

Looking forward to seeing where we end up! Hopefully I can make it work this year.

Bring the whole family!  So many life lessons to share from this motley crew .  @GolfSpy BOS is just the tip of the iceberg 

[Gmangolfr]

I'll have to see where and when  and compare to PJ's tournament schedule to see if it will be possible. Had a blast last year at Pinehurst and would love to do it again.

[EasyPutter]

Oh so touched and thank you for reading my post Rob @Golfspy_CG2 and tagging me in John @JohnSmalls .

If locations are still being considered, played French Lick Resort in 2021 with another golf tournament organized by the Stick&Hack Club (based in Noblesville IN and always represented in my signature) and I would look forward to revisiting the Donald Ross and Pete Dye courses if that was on the table.  Hey if S&H went there is is not going to be top dollar but it is an exceptional resort in a beautiful part of southern Indiana.  

Starting to amass the deposit 

[Golfspy_CG2]

4 hours ago, cksurfdude said:

Destinations -

If it's not already on the list of candidates, I'd like to suggest..

Sand Valley / Mammoth Dunes

 

Oh, PS: THANK YOU!!! @Golfspy_CG2 and @Getoffmylawn for working on this!!

 

 

Yep, as Hayes said, we both came up with that one seperately when we compliled out lists, but as he mentioned we feel it is too expensive for what we want to bring to the members. 

3 hours ago, Shrek74 said:

If you're taking suggestions, I'd like to throw in Fairfield Glade, TN.
www.fairfieldgladeresort.com

5 18-hole courses inside the community. All with ranges/practice greens and 2 with chipping areas.
Wyndham manages the resort side, so rentals can be gotten through there as one option.
There are also many owners who have condos for rent here, and we have multiple realtors who work with those owners to get them rented that can be put in tough with the organizers.
It's a bit more towards central, even though it's East biased.
Nashville and Knoxville airports are closest, but others are within driving distance.
Fees are very reasonable, even for visitors. I'm sure with a certain number of guaranteed tee times and with the MGS name, discounts can surely be had.
Beautiful surroundings here in the TN Plateau for those that want some relaxing downtime along with the golf.

Yes, I'm biased as I've been coming here with my family since I was a kid and my parents live here now and even I just moved here in June. Definitely worth considering for many quality reasons.

We're not opening taking suggestions, but we're certainly not closed minded to possibly finding a hidden gem.   I'll take a look at it.   Thanks

34 minutes ago, EasyPutter said:

Oh so touched and thank you for reading my post Rob @Golfspy_CG2 and tagging me in John @JohnSmalls .

If locations are still being considered, played French Lick Resort in 2021 with another golf tournament organized by the Stick&Hack Club (based in Noblesville IN and always represented in my signature) and I would look forward to revisiting the Donald Ross and Pete Dye courses if that was on the table.  Hey if S&H went there is is not going to be top dollar but it is an exceptional resort in a beautiful part of southern Indiana.  

Starting to amass the deposit 

Yeah, count this in with Sand Valley and Big Cedar Lodge that Hayes mentioned we checked out, as well as Firestone Country Club.   Big Name destination resorts are definitely under high demand right now and are able to get top dollar.  

Last year when I did the survey of what people wanted out of the outings,  Being able to meet new Spies and spend time with one s they have already met in a fun relaxed atmosphere was by far the top choice, over playing a Big Name course.   I would definitely like to do a Sand Valley or Big Cedar Lodge etc one year and perhaps something like that may turn up as a 2nd outing one year once the interests in these really start to pick up.

[CFreddie]

But seriously....I'm so in!!!

[GolfSpy_SHARK]

1 hour ago, JohnSmalls said:

Bring the whole family!  So many life lessons to share from this motley crew .  @GolfSpy BOS is just the tip of the iceberg 

LOL the family does not need to witness the shenanigans that take place on a golf trip. I am FAR to wise to make that mistake!

[Josh Parker]

Now this sounds like a lot of fun!

[Siamese Moose]

I definitely want to attend, but late May might not work. I have tickets for the PGA (weekend of 18 and 19), and Memorial Day is the following weekend. I will follow everything that is posted with extreme interest!

[Jwc5149]

6 hours ago, JohnSmalls said:

This is for you @Jwc5149

I’ll share with you Mr Smalls…. LOL

[Dead Solid Bogey]

Is there a vetting process for those applying to attend? As far as non-Texas venues; while sort of a pain to get to, The golf resort(s) around Starkville Mississippi; Old Waverly and Mossy Point offer a varied golf experience on these two courses. Will be interesting to see what you all come up with. 

Edited November 7, 2023 by Dead Solid Bogey

[Jwc5149]

I’m in. Will need the practice before heading to Scotland in June…

[GolfSpy_BEN]

Thanks to @Golfspy_CG2 and @Getoffmylawnfor all of the hard work to this point. I’m looking forward to attending and putting some faces to screen names.

[JohnSmalls]

30 minutes ago, Jwc5149 said:

I’m in. Will need the practice before heading to Scotland in June…

I wish I could be as cool as you.

28 minutes ago, Ben Joest said:

Thanks to @Golfspy_CG2 and @Getoffmylawnfor all of the hard work to this point. I’m looking forward to attending and putting some faces to screen names.

Be very careful what you wish for...

[rkj427]

45 minutes ago, Ben Joest said:

Thanks to @Golfspy_CG2 and @Getoffmylawnfor all of the hard work to this point. I’m looking forward to attending and putting some faces to screen names.

100% aligned and agree with @Ben Joest here.

Location to me would not matter, just knowing the timing with a reasonable notice would be my only issue.

Thinking of starting a new chapter, where I would be able to golf on any day that ends in "Y" prior to June 1, 2024.

Not worried about @JohnSmalls comment about being careful for what we wish for,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, saw the videos and pictures of the last events, and looking forward to participating in the new events moving forward. 

[JohnSmalls]

12 minutes ago, rkj427 said:

100% aligned and agree with @Ben Joest here.

Location to me would not matter, just knowing the timing with a reasonable notice would be my only issue.

Thinking of starting a new chapter, where I would be able to golf on any day that ends in "Y" prior to June 1, 2024.

Not worried about @JohnSmalls comment about being careful for what we wish for,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, saw the videos and pictures of the last events, and looking forward to participating in the new events moving forward. 

@McGolf does a really good job at editing those and putting well paid actors in for the the interview part

Edited November 8, 2023 by JohnSmalls

[Ben_Howell34]

8 hours ago, Getoffmylawn said:

Thanks Chuck!

So, Sand Valley is definitely on the list of candidates every year, and every year I’m sure we’ll get pricing, but frankly they’re not the most budget-friendly.  
The main goal is to find a site that allows for the community and camaraderie when not on the course from a lodging perspective, and is also reasonably priced to make sure it’s affordable for the bulk of the membership.  Places like Sand Valley and Big Cedar Lodge (which we also looked into) are very much on the high end of things as far as lodging costs.

Rest assured, I think we (primarily Rob) have found a really good package that will produce another awesome experience for everyone.

I have been to Big Cedar Lodge and the golf is truly incredible. However you do pay for it. Getting the hotel option makes it a lot (I mean a lot) cheaper but it does take away some of the “hangout” portion at night. Although there are some cool areas to go close and hang out and a few good restaurants to choose from as well. 

[Ben_Howell34]

3 hours ago, Dead Solid Bogey said:

Is there a vetting process for those applying to attend? As far as non-Texas venues; while sort of a pain to get to, The golf resort(s) around Starkville Mississippi; Old Waverly and Mossy Point offer a varied golf experience on these two courses. Will be interesting to see what you all come up with. 

I live in AL and I will second this. Really really good courses with some cool cottages. Not too far from Columbus or Starkville so you can go there if you want to go out, but the food there is top notch as well. Old Waverly is top 3 course I’ve ever played. 

[EasyPutter]

2 hours ago, JohnSmalls said:

@McGolf does a really good job at editing those and putting well paid actors in for the the interview part

Wait @JohnSmalls, people were getting paid for appearing?  I paid with gifts of golf club parts to get a few seconds airtime with his highnessness, and don't get me started about @Yellow Ball crashing the party where he no doubt encouraged his kind to flee into the hinterlands.