Do you have a golf trip planned? Let's hear all about it!

[ILMgolfnut]

On 1/11/2024 at 8:44 PM, cksurfdude said:

Going to Raleigh in Feb with my wife for a few days and plan to golf once, hopefully twice.

If you're staying within the Raleigh city limits, I highly recommend Lonnie Poole Golf Course at NCSU. Tough enough, especially from the tips, but won't blow up your budget. Of course there's Pinehurst and Tobacco Road not too far to the south.

I tried to sign up as a volunteer for the Open but waited too long and it was already full. I'm on a waiting list and not holding my breath. 

[cksurfdude]

Just now, ILMgolfnut said:

If you're staying within the Raleigh city limits, I highly recommend Lonnie Poole Golf Course at NCSU.

Will look at that one, thx! @Tom the Golf Nut had also mentioned that one so it must be a good one.

[ILMgolfnut]

25 minutes ago, cksurfdude said:

Will look at that one, thx!

I ran across a list of the 20 best public access courses in NC last week. Lonnie Poole was on it. So were the courses at Duke and UNC, which are both not far from Raleigh. Of course, like the top 7 on the list were in Pinehurst/Southern Pines or Tobacco Road. Poole was designed by Arnold Palmer's company with two NCSU alums doing the heavy lifting. Duke was a Robert Trent Jones course, restored by son Rees, and UNC, originally a Tom Fazio design, was just reworked by alum Davis Love III.

About 80 miles to the west, I can also vouch for the Cardinal by Pete Dye in Greensboro. It's a country club (and acts like it) but it's open for public play. I've played it twice and thoroughly enjoyed both times. But watch out for #12 -- it's a mutha of a par 3. Pete has said it's the toughest par 3 he ever designed.

I got to talk to Robert Trent Jones late in his life/career. I had played a couple of his reworked courses so we had something to discuss (he said one of them was the worst layout he'd ever seen when he got there; the holes went back and forth across a ridge with blind shots galore). That country club went bankrupt and the course is now a muni.

Edited January 17 by ILMgolfnut

[LRaffael]

I’m working to pick between two spots for a golf trip and I was hoping someone can help. 
1.) Hilton Head - staying at Palmetto Dunes and playing the Fazio course, RTJ ocean course (x2) and then the Hills course (x2)

2.) Myrtle Beach South -  staying in the True Blue golf villas on pawley’s island. Playing River Course, True Blue (x2) & Caledonia (x2)

We were also looking at Barefoot and playing the 5 courses on-site but thought these two might be better for logistics. 
 

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I’m about to flip a coin and don’t know if Anyone has experience with both and suggest one or the other. 

[Preeway]

I haven’t visited Hilton Head but you can’t go wrong with the Myrtle Beach courses you listed. Sounds like a win with either option you choose though. 

[Ben_Howell34]

4 hours ago, LRaffael said:

I’m working to pick between two spots for a golf trip and I was hoping someone can help. 
1.) Hilton Head -staying at Palmetto Dunes and playing the Fazio course, RTJ ocean course (x2) and then the Hills course (x2)

2.) Myrtle Beach South -  staying in the True Blue golf villas on pawley’s island. Playing River Course, True Blue (x2) & Caledonia (x2)

We were also looking at Barefoot and playing the 5 courses on-site but thought these two might be better for logistics. 
 

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I’m about to flip a coin and don’t know if Anyone has experience with both and suggest one or the other. 

I have not played in Myrtle Beach but have played two rounds in Hilton Head. In terms of stay, HHI is much cooler of a place and Myrtle Beach did not impress in terms of the actual town, seemed like I went back to the 70s New Jersey (in a bad way). I do not know how the courses are in Myrtle though, I am sure they are great. I played Fazio and Old South in Bluffton and loved both courses. The restaurants I have been to there are phenomenal as well (Coast is one of my favorite places). 

I know HHI is a little more expensive to stay there, I would imagine the courses cost about the same unless you are playing the Sea Pines courses. Palmetto Dunes is great to stay at as well. 

Either way, I am sure you will have a blast!

Edited January 27 by Ben_Howell34
Added something

[ILMgolfnut]

2 minutes ago, Ben_Howell34 said:

I have not played in Myrtle Beach but have played two rounds in Hilton Head. In terms of stay, HHI is much cooler of a place and Myrtle Beach did not impress in terms of the actual town, seemed like I went back to the 70s New Jersey (in a bad way). I do not know how the courses are in Myrtle though, I am sure they are great. I played Fazio and Old South in Bluffton and loved both courses. The restaurants I have been to there are phenomenal as well (Coast is one of my favorite places). 

I know HHI is a little more expensive to stay there, I would imagine the courses cost about the same unless you are playing the Sea Pines courses. Palmetto Dunes is great to stay at as well. 

Either way, I am sure you will have a blast!

There are so darn many courses in the Myrtle Beach area that there are all kinds of price points. I played recently at Founders Club, near my son's apartment, for a very reasonable price, like $43, and it was a nice course, albeit quite soggy from recent heavy rain (Mother Nature always wins, it seems). On the other end, the Dunes Club is nearly $200 and the four Barefoot resort courses are not far below that. And as usual, it depends when you go. Peak season rates are higher.

[GolfSpy_APH]

Just the outing in May which every day I am getting more and more excited for. 

[Tom the Golf Nut]

Starting off with the MGS Forum members Kingsmill outing. Three or four rounds with the best company ever!

The following week taking 20 to 25 customers to a baseball game in Charlotte. Rented a suite of course. 

The week after that I am taking customers to the US Open for two days then playing a round of golf with them somewhere near Pinehurst. 

June is looking to be a fun month!   

[Tom the Golf Nut]

8 hours ago, LRaffael said:

I’m working to pick between two spots for a golf trip and I was hoping someone can help. 
1.) Hilton Head - staying at Palmetto Dunes and playing the Fazio course, RTJ ocean course (x2) and then the Hills course (x2)

2.) Myrtle Beach South -  staying in the True Blue golf villas on pawley’s island. Playing River Course, True Blue (x2) & Caledonia (x2)

We were also looking at Barefoot and playing the 5 courses on-site but thought these two might be better for logistics. 
 

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I’m about to flip a coin and don’t know if Anyone has experience with both and suggest one or the other. 

If you do decide on Myrtle Beach. Staying in True Blue is really nice. Central MB should be avoided. At one time there were 125 courses, now due to housing developments there are more like 75. But some darn nice ones.  I do like the southern courses better. You have more plantation courses with the Spanish moss hanging off the trees. Really neat plantation manors converted into club houses. Caledonia, True Blue, Heritage, River Course are all very good. 

[EasyPutter]

2nd week of March trip to NC, SC, GA for golf with son, brother and nephews.

End of May the Kingsmill Meetup Tour with what ever addon rounds can be squeezed in possibly Wednesday and Thursday before the 3 rounds with the best friends in golf from around the world.

Annual trip to Thousand Islands for what has become one of the best scoring rounds of each year.

[EasyPutter]

9 hours ago, LRaffael said:

I’m working to pick between two spots for a golf trip and I was hoping someone can help. 
1.) Hilton Head - staying at Palmetto Dunes and playing the Fazio course, RTJ ocean course (x2) and then the Hills course (x2)

2.) Myrtle Beach South -  staying in the True Blue golf villas on pawley’s island. Playing River Course, True Blue (x2) & Caledonia (x2)

We were also looking at Barefoot and playing the 5 courses on-site but thought these two might be better for logistics. 
 

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I’m about to flip a coin and don’t know if Anyone has experience with both and suggest one or the other. 

Hey noticed you're new to the Forum and wanted to extend a hearty hello and welcome in! 

[ILMgolfnut]

On 1/15/2024 at 9:03 PM, jatrain said:

• Day 1 - assuming I’m not trashed by the flight a warm-up round Anstruther, a neat little nine holer on the coast near St. Andrews.
• Day 2 -Elie
• Day 3 - Old Course (overnight queue)
• Day 4 - New Course (or Old if I don’t get on the day before)
• Day 5 - Eden or Jubilee (or Old if it still hasn’t worked out) or a rest day if needed.
• Day 6 - Gullane #3 and Old Musselburgh
• Day 7 -North Berwick

Nice itinerary! I did the overnight queue to get on the OC in October. I had planned to do my warmup round at the Balgove in St. Andrews after landing at EDI, but no sleep on the flight knocked that idea out. Then I did the New Course the next day, stayed up all night and played the OC the next morning on my birthday. Then drove to Cruden Bay afterward and played there the next day. My B&B was actually very close to Elie but didn't make it there. Didn't get to East Lothian at all, that will have to wait for a future trip, but not the 2024 version.

I'm still putting together my Scotland summer plans, but here are the basics: Since I'm now a member at Fortrose & Rosemarkie, that will be my base, probably 3 or 4 rounds there including a Wednesday tournament for members, entry fee 3 pounds. As a F&R member, I get reciprocal privileges (half price) at numerous other courses in the Highlands and elsewhere. Use that to play at, possibly, Brora, Golspie, Moray and/or Tain. Hoping to enter a tournament at Dornoch (again), which is even cheaper to do than half-price. That's my main tip for budget golf in Scotland: Enter tournaments. Much cheaper than the visitor rates at most courses. Fly in and out of Inverness rather than driving up from Edinburgh or Glasgow.

Edited January 28 by ILMgolfnut

[ILMgolfnut]

Now I did it. Booked for Scotland in July. There are two tournaments in Dornoch; I will enter both and hope to get one, but I'd darn sure take both (two rounds on a World Top 10 course for 90 pounds total). Also tournaments at Brora, Golspie and at my "home" course, Fortrose & Rosemarkie. I'll play at least four rounds at F&R and then drive around to other Highlands courses using my reciprocal privileges. Might even venture off the coast to play Boat of Garten, which is a very nice James Braid parkland course.

[ILMgolfnut]

On 1/27/2024 at 8:49 AM, LRaffael said:

2.) Myrtle Beach South -  staying in the True Blue golf villas on pawley’s island. Playing River Course, True Blue (x2) & Caledonia (x2)

Also Spy @BKervin spends her winters at True Blue, plays a number of area courses and can give you the local lowdown

Edited February 6 by ILMgolfnut

[dalessit]

I probably have too many trips lined up for the year; it's hard having multiple groups you play with, as everyone wants to go on a trip.  Needless to say, my vacation is maxed out for the year already.

1. Sunset Beach, NC, in late May with Friends, playing Sun-Wed, Looking at Thistle, Glen Dornoch, Tidewater, and one more we are trying to figure out. Driving not flying

2. Not really a golf-specific trip, but flying to Michigan with my wife on the Thursday and Friday of the same week as the NC trip, and we'll play Arcadia Bluffs.

3. Boyne, MI, in late June with Dad, Brother, and Uncle, playing Links/Quarry, Links/Preserve, Heather, and one more we are trying to figure out.

4. Bandon, OR in mid-October with 7 friends, playing everything they have to offer.

[GolfSpy_APH]

On 1/27/2024 at 11:21 PM, Tom the Golf Nut said:

Starting off with the MGS Forum members Kingsmill outing. Three or four rounds with the best company ever!

The following week taking 20 to 25 customers to a baseball game in Charlotte. Rented a suite of course. 

The week after that I am taking customers to the US Open for two days then playing a round of golf with them somewhere near Pinehurst. 

June is looking to be a fun month!   

And this keeps getting closer but still way too fae away!

[blackhawk1539]

I’m working to pick between two spots for a golf trip and I was hoping someone can help. 
1.) Hilton Head - staying at Palmetto Dunes and playing the Fazio course, RTJ ocean course (x2) and then the Hills course (x2)
2.) Myrtle Beach South -  staying in the True Blue golf villas on pawley’s island. Playing River Course, True Blue (x2) & Caledonia (x2)
We were also looking at Barefoot and playing the 5 courses on-site but thought these two might be better for logistics. 
 
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I’m about to flip a coin and don’t know if Anyone has experience with both and suggest one or the other. 

Palmetto Dunes RTJ is a fantastic course. One of my favorite course, also plays wonderfully.


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[OdinSnipes414]

@Jordan ODIN Golfanything Planned??

[Golf2Much]

Friends have a time share in Las Vegas.  We're heading out there with them in May.  The ladies are headed to an animal retreat about three hours away.  That gives the guys two days on our own.  So, we decided to play some golf (among other things)!  We currently have tee times for Bali Hai Golf Club and Rio Secco Golf Club.  

[blackhawk1539]

Have three trips this summer:

1: Near Mackinaw Michigan
-Surprised by the lack of courses up there. Found a little muni-like course I’m playing in Hessel.

2: Destin
-Looking to play Kelly Plantation unless someone could recommend a better course. Seems to be the only public course on any water.

3: Scottsdale
- I have a work conference at the JW Marriott. My first choice is We Ko Pa but if I’m unable to book that. I’ll just play the Arnold course at JW.

Any insight on Destin would be awesome!


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[OdinSnipes414]

We are planning a trip to South Dakota in June ish and I’ll be bringing the Bag!

[AlanW]

2024 is a going to be a great golf year for me:

April - Ireland.  Lahinch, Ballybunion and Doonbeg

June - Scotland.  Carnoustie, St. Andrews Eden, Jubilee & Castle (and with a little ballot luck, The Old Course), Dunbar, North Berwick, Muirfield.

September - Streamsong

[MoHuncho13]

I like to take a lot of mini trips and play new courses all the time with the wife. But as for long distance trips got two planned so far

1. Going to PHX end of Feb to play the TPC Champions course, Verrado - Founders course, and deciding on two others. Prices are high and tee times book fast this time of year in AZ. 

2. For my ladies birthday we are going to Savannah, GA, havent booked anything yet but I will be bringing the clubs for sure. If anyone has any courses to check out let me know! 

3. We are moving to Charlotte end of this summer so will be planning to have a group of buddies come in to either check out Pinehurst or Tobacco Road, or something else if we decide differently! Somewhere in NC for sure. 

[ILMgolfnut]

5 minutes ago, AlanW said:

June - Scotland.  Carnoustie, St. Andrews Eden, Jubilee & Castle (and with a little ballot luck, The Old Course), Dunbar, North Berwick, Muirfield.

Don't forget it is possible to get on the OC without winning the ballot lottery. It requires lining up in the wee hours of the morning as a single, but it can be done, even if you're traveling as a group. I tried the lottery in October with the friend of a friend who is a student at St. Andrews U., failed, and got in line at 2:45 a.m. -- and played at 11:08. The only thing I didn't do was sleep...

[GolfSpy_KFT]

58 minutes ago, MoHuncho13 said:

I like to take a lot of mini trips and play new courses all the time with the wife. But as for long distance trips got two planned so far

1. Going to PHX end of Feb to play the TPC Champions course, Verrado - Founders course, and deciding on two others. Prices are high and tee times book fast this time of year in AZ. 

2. For my ladies birthday we are going to Savannah, GA, havent booked anything yet but I will be bringing the clubs for sure. If anyone has any courses to check out let me know! 

3. We are moving to Charlotte end of this summer so will be planning to have a group of buddies come in to either check out Pinehurst or Tobacco Road, or something else if we decide differently! Somewhere in NC for sure. 

@CFreddie any course recommendations for the Savannah area for @MoHuncho13?

[GolfSpy_KFT]

I've got my annual buddies weekend trip to my in-laws cabin where we will be playing Lake Arrowhead (FANTASTIC), both the Lakes and Pines courses, in Rome, WI. We will also be playing 18 at The Ridges Golf Course in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, which is another fun track. Links style front 9 and woodlands back 9 with some really unique holes and elevation changes.

And yes, I know what you're thinking..."why would you be in Rome, WI, and NOT play Sand Valley!?" The answer unfortunately is the cost of that to play all the tracks is too steep for this group of guys as I am really the only serious golfer. All my buddies just golf occasionally so they don't want to spend that kind of money, which I respect.

[ILMgolfnut]

1 hour ago, MoHuncho13 said:

2. For my ladies birthday we are going to Savannah, GA, havent booked anything yet but I will be bringing the clubs for sure. If anyone has any courses to check out let me know! 

Hilton Head Island is 30 miles from Savannah. Hampton Hall Club is another highly regarded course just over the line in SC; it's a Pete Dye design.

[billpierce]

I have booked pinehurst in early June. Right before tournament time!  Should be in great shape and we have a house in the campus that should allow a bit of exploring to other courses in area.  We have Number 8 booked and will hit the cradle just for fun.

Any suggestions on courses around pinehurst?  Tobacco Road looks like it may be the one over in Sanford.

[Erin B]

I recently got invited to an annual trip a group makes to Mesquite Nevada. Of course I accepted the invitation, I have always wanted to be a part of a group that takes an annual trip. I love meeting new people and playing different courses. Plus, being in the military as long as I was in, I never had this type of an opportunity, although playing with the Veterans Golfing Association has offered some weekend tournaments. (I would highly recommend it to any veteran golfer and their family members.) The trip is from March 8-16. We are going to be playing a bucket list course for me, Wolf Creek, and several other courses there as well as one in St. George and one in Hurricane UT. All in all 8 days of golf. I cannot wait and hope that I can hunt down a couple of birdies, but I hope even more that I can just enjoy the comradery of a bunch of golfers. I think trips like these are important, we aren't here forever so we have to take in as much as we can. As always, Happy Birdie Hunting.