Category Archives: Top Golf Courses

Carolina Shores Golf and Country Club

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The Carolina Shores Golf and Country Club is a Tom Jackson masterpiece acknowledged with a top notch rating by the Golf Course Rankings of America in 1990. This unique golf course that is often flocked by golfers of all skill levels features the large, challenging greens, natural crater lakes, the tree-lined narrow fairways, and nearly 100 bunkers that dot the entire course. In 2006, when the Carolina Shores Golf and Country Club underwent major renovations, the fairway sand bunkers were removed paving way for the unobstructed average drives. Since then, golfers of all ages feel confident enough when challenged by a par 72 play as well as the five sets of tees.

Although Carolina Shores Golf and Country Club may be considered as a player-friendly layout, there are still plenty of challenges that await an avid golfer. Never let the wide-open fairways deceive you as there are hazards that you need to come across with in order to go through the entire golf round. The Bermuda greens can be your ally since they provide sound speed and accuracy. However, be mindful of the well disguised elevation changes as well as the subtle breaks. Not only that. The par 5s in particular is very strong and can serve as the greatest test of golfing skills. Sand bunkers and water guards were carefully crafted to each of the holes in order to challenge you with a good and accurate drive. The par 4s on the other hand would require you a solid drive if you intend to position the golf ball into the green that is well protected. About the layout’s par 3s, they can be very playable but still needs your concentration since there are water hazards and sand bunkers that you have to deal with.

Aside from the challenging holes, Carolina Shores Golf and Country Club also provides golfers with the best driving range, chipping greens, and a putting green. And after a tough day at the greens, guests can relax and dine at the grill area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Palmetto Greens Golf

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What makes the Palmetto Greens Golf and Country Club an exciting place to spend a great golf vacation escapade is that guests can play at areas where great spots abound. When Architect Rick Robbins designed this stunning golf course, maybe what he has in mind was that everyone playing here will be amazed after each round. Who would not? The 18 holes were uniquely designed to make them challenging enough for any skill level. To add up the charm, a 15 feet manmade waterfall was made to highlight the 6,345 yards layout along with several other exciting features. And to provide golfers with the comfortable feel while at play, fairways were built on Norman Bermuda grasses and the greens on L93 Bent grass.

What was known as the Colonial Charters Golf Club that was opened way back in 1988 is now Myrtle Beach’s newest course. After Rick Robbins remodeled the course, it was reopened in 2008 and was named as Palmetto Greens Golf and Country Club. And now it has been attracting golfing and non-golfing guests from almost all parts of the globe.

Here’s a quick look on some of the course’s challenging holes.

The #1 hole, a 500-yard Par 5, features the large lake runs that are parallel to the fairway’s left side progressing all the way to the layout’s greens which makes the hole very intimidating.

The #3 hole offers the Par-5 play that will challenge you after an easy hole #2.

The #7 hole that offers a Par-4, 278-yard play is a risk-reward situation. Golfers must be able to decide on whether to opt for an over the water play or play safe and take the left.

The #11 hole features the tree on the middle of the fairway. Land the golf ball behind the tree and you’ll be blocked on the second shot.

The #18 hole is a Par-4 that features a dogleg right fairway that would require an uphill tee shot. Downhill approach shots will lead you all the way to an elevated green protected by the deep sand bunkers placed on the front and right side while off the left is a waste area. This final hole has been considered as toughest of them all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Possum Trut Golf Club

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If you are looking for a year-round fun golf escapade, then head your way to the Possum Trut Golf Club. Dubbed as the friendliest golf layout down south, this Russell F. Bredon masterpiece is a must-try when visiting Myrtle Beach. The carefully crafted 18-hole “Possum Trot” brings about the fine test of golf that can challenge even the highly skilled golfers. Its 6,966 yards of golf that plays a par 72 from the longest tees was given a 127 slope rating on Bermuda grass and a course rating of 73.1. What makes this golf vacation destination a popular choice among the local and foreign guests is not just about the well-conditioned surface greens but also the cordial greetings that the staff gives to its guests. They always see to it that guests are provided with the best services the resort can offer.

The Possum Trut Golf Club course was opened way back in 1968 with the intention of providing golfers with the challenging golf on manicured greens and well-kept fairways. And in order to pass the tradition from one generation to the next, the golf course was improved. Fairways and tees were reshaped, there was an addition of the dramatic mounding, and the course drainage and irrigation were enhanced. The course’s wide fairways also provide every average golfer the challenging tests of golfing skills while having a great time with nature. Not only that, Possum Trot Golf Club also offers guests with the finest practice facilities comprised of a short game range, a driving range, a large practice bunker, as well as a huge putting green. And after a tough day at the greens, guests can opt for good conversations over a sumptuous meal or head to the indoor golf facility to further harness their skills. At the Possum Trut, there’s always plenty of room for everyone regardless of skill levels and preferences.

 

 

 

The Ocean Course

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A proud host to the 2007 Senior PGA Tour as well as the forthcoming 2012 PGA Championships, the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island is among the “100 Greatest U.S. Golf Courses List” by Golf Digest. This challenging golf layout will also be the fourth golf destination to host the each of the major championships of the PGA of America. Among the other golf tournaments that the golf course hosted include the 1991 Ryder Cup Matches, the 1997 World Cup of Golf, the 2001 UBS Cup, the 2003 World Cup Championships, and the 2005 PGA Professional National Championship. No doubt this popular golf vacation destination is frequented by both the local and foreign guests.

Perfectly set on Kiawah Island’s eastern-most end, the Ocean Course probably receives the strongest winds on all of the golf courses outside United Kingdom and Ireland. That is why Pete Dye designed the course with holes for the easterly winds as well as holes for the westerly winds. Ten holes were placed along the Atlantic while the other eight runs parallel to them. From one round to another, golfers can experience to as much as an 8-club difference on the holes depending on the strength and direction of the wind. But what makes each hole interesting aside from the unique challenges is that it gives golfers the unobstructed views of the stunning Atlantic Coastline.

With challenging holes and panoramic views, the Ocean Course has been cited by Golf Digest as “America’s Toughest Resort Course”, and the “U.S. #4 Public Golf Course”. This course is also among the 17 other North American golf courses that were given a rating of “5 stars” by Golf Digest. Just recently, this magnificent golf vacation destination was named as the “Golf Course of the Year” as cited by the prestigious National Golf Course Owners Association.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dunes West Golf Club

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Everyone deserves a break. But for those who would want to take chances of playing golf while on vacation, there are already plenty of golf vacation destinations that you can choose from. Vacation goers heading to Charleston can give the Dunes West Golf Club a try. This nationally acclaimed golf course is set on the site where the historic Lexington Plantation is located. It was designed by the famous Arthur Hills and is already considered as one of the best golf facilities being offered these days.

The Dunes West Golf Club is built among West Central Florida’s sand hills and unique terrain that was later on transformed into a more intimidating and visually attractive golf layout. The 419 Bermuda grass fairways and roughs are excellently maintained while the Pike Creek Tidwarf greens create a playable surface. Hills combined his brilliant ideas with nature’s finest creating a golfing experience that you won’t soon forget. In order to go through the tough golfing test of this impeccable layout, one must deal with dramatic elevation changes as well as the large undulating greens on the weather-worn sand dunes and terrain. And to add up to the excitement, variety of yardage options is provided through the layout’s 5 sets of tees.

This ultimate escape serves just not as the haven for the avid golfers but also a relaxing retreat for the nature enthusiasts. The natural beauty of the Dunes West Golf Club enhanced by the planted pine forest framing provides an avenue for a well deserved break away from the hustles of the busy urban life. Guests will also have the close encounters with the endangered wild turkeys, fox squirrels, and gopher tortoises as well as the sightings of other endangered wildlife species. Plus, you can also spend quality times at the Dunes West Clubhouse while capturing the Low country’s old southern charm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Turtle Point Golf Club

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The Turtle Point Golf Club is a Jack Nicklaus masterpiece that was opened way back in 1981 at Kiawah Island Resort. This 18-hole layout features the spectacular oceanfront holes with well-bunkered greens and narrow fairways perfectly blended into the area’s existing landscape. What makes Turtle Point unique from the rest of the island’s golf courses is that there are no radical features as well as artificial mounding in the area. The layout’s 6,914 yards offer golfers of all handicap levels the 412-yard 15th, 5 par fours, and the three-hole oceanfront trio which is considered as the toughest test of golfing skills in the entire layout. Golfers often flock this stunning golf vacation destination to take on the challenges of the layout that has a 141 slope rating on Bermuda grass and a course rating of 74.2.

Turtle Point Golf Club also served as the host to several amateur and professional golf competitions including the PGA Cup Matches during the 1990’s. The layout’s low profile design that was perfectly carved out from the island’s dune ridges and natural contours has made the resort an attractive vacation spot, especially for those who would want to combine nature and pleasure. Aside from the best views of the Atlantic Ocean, guests will also have their fair share of other amazing natural attractions including the layout’s backwater lagoons and the lush palmetto and hardwood forests.

Among the citations that the Turtle Point Golf Club has received include Golf Digest’s “Top 100 Public Courses in America”, and Golf Digest’s Readers Poll’s “Best Places to Stay”. Would it be nice to spend a relaxing vacation where the champions used to stay? Grab the latest affordable golf vacation packages now and tag along the entire family for a non-stop adventure at Turtle Point. This golf course is a stay and play facility so there is no need to worry where you will be spending over the night.

 

 

 

Barony Golf Club

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Designed by the famed George W. Cobb, the Barony Golf Club is among the island’s first golf courses that were opened for play in the early part of 1960. This stunning golf vacation destination comprises 18 of the 45 challenging holes of Port Royal and has been recognized by Golf Magazine as a “Silver Medal Resort”. Looking from the layout’s tee box, most of the holes seem to be relatively open. But as you approach the greens, the real test of golfing skills is getting clearer. Golfers will come across the unforgiving bunkers and the thick rough that would require mid and short iron shots in order to go through the tough ordeals of the greens. The key to getting across is not about length but rather accuracy.

All sorts of golfers flock this outstanding resort each year to experience one of South Carolina’s finest golf vacation destinations. The 6, 530 yards stretch of scenic terrains as well as the resort’s championship holes are some of the things that makes the Barony Golf Club stand out from the rest. While golf enthusiasts enjoy the challenging holes that dot the course, nature lovers can also relax with nature while taking the best views surrounding the resort. Guests can also drop by the pro shop and browse through the items that they can take home as a souvenir from an exciting golf adventure. For those who would want to work on with their golfing skills or give the game of golf a try, Hilton Head’s Island School of Golf will provide the finest golfing lessons, trainings, and facilities. And after a long day at the greens, guests can dine, relax, and have a chat at the clubhouse and restaurant.

 

 

 

 

Colonial Heritage Golf Club

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The Colonial Heritage Club is an artful craft of Arthur Hills that emulates Southern Virginia’s classic beauty perfectly set amid Williamsburg’s historical backdrop. This stunning golf vacation destination meanders through the acres of densely wooded grounds and offers the challenging 6,889-yard par 72 play for golfers of all handicap levels. The championship layout also features the five sets of tees with the strategically placed bunkers, carefully planned water features, and the undulating fairways that create the guest’s enjoyable golfing experience.

There is no need to worry if golfing is not your cup of tea. The resort has the vast natural terrain landscape where you can enjoy relaxing with nature at its finest. While some of the resort’s guests take the challenges of the inviting 18-hole Colonial Heritage Golf Club course, some would head to the magnificent Clubhouse where they can dine, chat, and enjoy live entertainment with the classic British-colonial ambiance. Hospitality is also unsurpassed. The resort staff also provides guests the superb assistance that is beyond expectations.

What makes this golf spot much more attractive is that guests can play and relax with the feeling of being at home. And although the championship golf course can be very inviting, you can still opt for solitude with nature away from the crowd and still have a great time. The next time you plan for an exciting golf escape with family and friends, think about the Colonial Heritage Golf Club. There are already plenty of golf vacation packages that will suit your budget and preferences as well as golf vacation specialists that will help you plan out that dream golf vacation of a lifetime.

 

 

 

Dragon Ridge Country Club

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The Dragon Ridge Country Club is a golf masterpiece designed by the famed Jay Morrish together with Dave Druzisky. This semi-private golf facility is perfectly nestled at the McCullogh Mountains foothills located south of the popular “Las Vegas Strip”. And in the span of five years since the golf course had its debut, Dragon Ridge has served as the proud host of several golf competitions including the Wendy’s Three Tour Challenge and the Tiger Jam III and IV. The golf course has also been cited by reputable golf publications as one of the country’s top golf vacation destinations with the course rating of 72.9 and a slope rating of 143.

From the tips, Dragon Ridge Country Club offers the challenging 7,000-yard play to golfers of all ability levels. The entire layout features the generous fairways, multiple desert washes, water features, bunkers, and the sets of tee boxes. The #2 hole has been considered as the most prominent hole in the entire layout offering a 229-yard par-3 play from the tips with the tee box situated on top of the mountain.  Holes #10 and #8 are also among the tricky holes that every golfer must look out for while on play. In dealing with these two intimidating holes, you must have the smart shot selection in order to go through the split fairways. Aside from the fair test of golf, the course also provides the golfing guests with the most breathtaking vistas of the Las Vegas Valley.

Dragon Ridge Country Club also boasts of its full driving range facility. Guests can take advantage of the well-maintained chipping and putting greens. And after an exciting golf round, the clubhouse will serve as a respite that gives a perfect view of the entire city. Appropriate golf dress code is strictly implemented during play.

Bali Hai Golf Club

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The Bali Hai Golf Club has been dubbed as a tropical golfer’s paradise. Located just right on the famous Las Vegas Strip, the golf course is being highlighted by acres of water features, thousands of towering palms, a signature island green, and about a hundred of thousands of tropical plants and flowers. The layout’s transition zones are being accented with the super fine Augusta white sand and a set off by the outcroppings of black volcanic rocks. Designed by Brian Curley and Lee Schmidt in 2000, Bali Hai was considered as a worthy namesake of a popular Indonesian land of enchantment.

This 7,002-yard par-71 golf course, aside from providing challenging golf rounds to its guests, also boasts of the stunning views of the Strip high-end resorts from the fairways. To provide the fair test of golfing skills, Bali Hai Golf Club also features the par-3 island green #16 hole and the par-4, 468-yard hole #3 popularly known as the “Shipwreck.” This is what makes Bali Hai Golf Club unique from the rest of the Las Vegas courses. Breathtaking scenery, challenging play, and world-class facilities are among the many things that guests can discover on their stay. Among the many citations that the golf club has been receiving include the “Top 50 Resort Course” by Golf Digest, “Best Course in Las Vegas” as cited by Vegas Golfer Magazine, and “America’s Top 40 Resort Courses” given by GolfWeek Magazine.

While on play, guests can enjoy the on-course beverage cart service. After the challenging golf rounds at the greens, guests can relax in the cozy ambiance of the Cabana snack bar or the Cili Restaurant & Bar where good food is served. Bali Hai Golf Club also takes pride in having one of America’s top golf shops as cited by the Golf World Business Magazine. Proper implementation of dress code is also being observed by the golf club.