Tag Archives: golf vacations

Treetops Resort – Threetops Course

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A claim as magnanimous and as ambitious as “The Best Par-Three Course in the World” would normally faze many people, especially the critical ones. But not if the one making the claim is the Threetops Course at the famed Michigan resort, Treetops. It is legitimately and truly the best par-three course in the country and the biggest golf publications will back its claim, as it already has. That, and the many, many happy golf vacations spent here over the years.

The Threetops Course is designer Rick Smith’s first design, and he has some sort of beginner’s luck. Either that, or the man just knew what good golfing is. Since it opened, it has garnered such prestigious awards from the likes of Golf Week, Golf Digest , Golf &Travel, and Golf Range Magazine. On top of that, this is the most recognizable Par-Three as the site of the famous ESPN Par-3 Shootout. So what makes this golf vacation destination a truly remarkable one? The answer is simple: FUN.

At the Threetops Course, players define their game. The tee boxes aren’t marked and so they can play according to their own preference. That is 1,400 yards of absolute freedom in golfing! 1,400 yards of undulation levels and dramatic elevation changes. All 1,400 yards of some of the best views in the Michigan golfing scene, and an absolute test of wits and wills, golf-wise. And ultimately, a most unforgettably golf trip experience. For it to say they are the No. 1 Par-3 in the world isn’t a flamboyant claim. It’s merely stating facts.

Treetops Resort – Masterpiece Course

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A masterpiece not by its name alone – this is the Masterpiece Course at the Treetops Resort in Gaylord, Michigan. It is not only easily remembered for its being an excellent golf vacation destination. This course is known to be the master designer Robert Trent Jones Sr’s last creation in Michigan. He did absolutely well – a perfect punctuation for his equally excellent creations in Michigan.

The Masterpiece Course is the first of the 4 championship courses in the resort facility and it set the bar high for the resort’s courses, as well as all of Michigan’s. This Jones Sr masterpiece measures 7,060 yards from the longest tees and plays for a par of 71. Its location, at the headwaters of the Pigeon River, gives the terrain a lot of variety. It is laden with a combination of natural valleys, plains and ravines and the legendary designer showed it that much respect that he didn’t so much intervene but instead worked on keeping it. The result is, obviously, one golf course with the most dramatic elevation changes possible. And the views overlooking the Pigeon River Valley are just as dramatic to make for anybody’s most memorable golf vacations ever.

It really should not be surprising that this golf trip favorite is a favorite of golf publications’ awards and recognitions as well. This, after all, is a pioneer in excellence of sorts in this part of the country. The Masterpiece Course may be Jones’ last in Michigan, but it ranked – AND STILL RANKS – among the first ones to have been built on excellence that made others follow suit.

Pelican Hill – Ocean North Course

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When most everyone else thought “perfect” was already on the top of its game and nothing could get any better than it, golf course designer Tom Fazio thought differently. His already perfect creations in the Pelican Hill Resort in Newport Beach, SoCal had to undergo some massive changes to achieve what could only be called a higher level of perfection. And the results are as massive as the changes. It is only logical that these perfect golf courses will only grant golf vacations that are nowhere less than perfect. The Ocean North Course could tell the story.

Its perfection comes in its being dynamic, beautiful and yes, challenging. Or for the already challenged, it is difficult. There are hazards everywhere, in most every form thinkable in this kind of place. There are the elevation changes that never had the intention of going unnoticed. Not to be missed too are the Fazio bunkers and well-preserved natural bush lands that are not too forgiving with errant shots. Thankfully though, the Ocean North Course has rather wider fairways and fewer trees that make it all too tolerable. And thank God, too, there are as many rewarding views are there are holes on this golf course. Almost each one of its 18-holes have magnificent ocean views – although, if one allows, it could become too distractingly beautiful. But beautiful still. And distracting. This golf vacation destination measures a good 6,900 yards from the longest tees, par 71.

When Tom Fazio remodeled it, he had the perfect golf trip in mind – beautiful, serene, challenging, something that would be worth every bit of effort. He achieved it through the Ocean North Golf Club. And so will others.

Queenstown Harbor Golf Course – River Course

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The unparalleled, picture-perfect beauty of the Chesapeake Bay is one thing. That of Chester River is another. But either way, there is some irresistible force in the Queenstown Harbor Golf Course that attracts as many golfers for golf vacations. But the River Course, its layout quality and the kind of game it offers is simply a different story altogether. Nonetheless, it is enough to bring even more golfers to Maryland.

Queenstown Harbor’s River Course makes up 18 of the 36-holes in the golfing resort. The other one is a smaller, less famous but equally outstanding golf course, the Lakes Course. The River Course measures 7,110 yards from the longest tees, par 72. After its most recent renovation, this golf vacation destination has morphed into a perfectly natural course. It simply wanted to seem and be as close to nature as possible, and obviously, this has been achieved. But what is most outstanding here – a standout among standouts – is its set of water features. 14 of its 18 holes has water playing in it. Combined with the many other features including naturally wind-swept dunes, plus the views, everyone is in for a sure treat.

But other than golfers having a jolly good time on the greens, this close-to-nature quality has merited the River Course an even greater recognition. This is among the 688 golf facilities IN THE WORLD that bears an Audubon International Sanctuary certification. It is an elusive, exclusive award that takes a whole world of measures to keep a golf course as eco-friendly as possible. Now that’s a story to tell. As for golf trips here, they are surely one for the books – story books!

Queenstown Harbor Golf Course – Lakes Course

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It’s a royal engagement! At the greens that is. At the Queenstown Harbor Golf Course, there is always a place and time – tee time – for great golfing fit for a queen (and king!). Its two courses are amongst Maryland’s most famous; not so much for being so exquisite but for being able to grant the quality of game that even the most noble of citizens would look up to. As to what makes this golf vacation destination so grand, the Lakes Course is a good place to start.

The Lakes Course measures more than 6,500 yards from the longest tees, par 71, with four sets of tees. This 18-hole beauty has a great variety of holes to make such a dynamic layout. There’s the peninsular green on 6th that is just about as beautiful as it is challenging. There’s also the bunker-laden par-4 18th that couldn’t get more room for anything else other than accuracy. But on the overall, this course has more room for a lot of other things too – fun things – that make golf vacations extra exciting.

These things include picturesque views of the nearby Chesapeake Bay and a well-preserved wildlife sanctuary surrounding it. It is well preserved that, in fact, it has received a most prestigious recognition: A certified sanctuary from the Audubon International. That makes a roomful of beautiful things all packed in the same Lakes Course. Guests must expect that at the end of their golf trips here, the engagement will have been consummated and sealed in eternal bond: a royal wedding!

Ocean Pines Golf and Country Club

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Ocean City’s wide array of offerings for golf makes it a most ideal destination for golf vacations. For golfers that is. That does not make jobs any easier for the golf critics. The task of naming which ones are the best and which ones are the ultimate standouts are a little too taxing. But the process to getting to the decision must be fun. They get to sample every golf course in the area. One of those that they get to try on is the Ocean Pines Golf and Country Club. And playing it, there should be no surprise at all at the verdict.

This golf course is a Robert Trent Jones Sr creation, located minutes away from Ocean City and the Atlantic Ocean. Jones has come up with the Ocean Pines Golf and Country Club with as little intervention to nature as possible, thus this course sits on well preserved natural wetlands and woodlands. Further into the course, the holes go weaving through natural pines growing abundantly in the property. They not only make for the visual entree, they also make the course extra challenging. This golf vacation destination stretches to 6,927 yards from the longest tees playing for a par of 72.

But the fun just does not end with excellent golf at the Ocean Pines Golf and Country Club. The course completes the golf trip package with an excellent set of amenities. Being part of a residential community, the course was designed to have complete facilities that even guests can enjoy. That ultimately makes it fun for the critics too. That, too, makes the decision come easy: undoubtedly, one of the best.

Heritage Shores Golf Club

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The Heritage Shores Golf Club in Delaware was created for the exclusive retirement community it belongs to. It was made for the seniors who want to enjoy their almost infinite downtime, living a resort life, golf vacations on daily basis, so to speak. But this does not mean golf here is kinder and well, old. On the contrary. The Arthur Hills creation actually finds itself some huge fan following from all ages.

 And that isn’t at all surprising. There is enough reason to love this golf vacation destination. With a maximum yardage length that stretches a little over 7,000 yards, par 72, and 5 sets of tees to choose from, this place knows no age nor skill level. Anyone who wants to play is welcome to play and explore the numerous water holes. And by numerous, it actually means close to 18. On top of these water holes, Heritage Shores Golf Club accentuated its beautiful layout with undulating fairways and large, well-shaped bunkers. And that completes the package. The layout is full of the right amount of challenging and visually enhancing features that all that is left for a golfer to do is just play.

 The best part about it comes in the form of green fees. Heritage Shores Golf Club knows just how important every dollar is, and it makes it count. Every penny used on a golf trip here is as good as it actually is. With a complete platter no golfer could ever resist, there is a close to a hundred percent chance this course doesn’t grow too old too soon.

Eagle’s Landing Golf Club

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This is one golf vacation destination that cares – for its environment, for its guests, and for the game of golf itself. There might just be nowhere else in Maryland, or the entire United States that gives as much value for money and game as the Eagle’s Landing Golf Club. This golf course gives more than what is expected of it.

 The Eagle’s Landing Golf Club is the first Maryland golf course to have been granted the Audubon Sanctuary certification. It has as much regard to its environment as to its golf. It could perhaps be because of the fact that it has an unparalleled postcard view of the Sinepuxent Bay and the Assateage Island National Seashore. And as is proven by the Audubon status, the natural wildlife remains untouched at the least, improved at the best. And the golf isn’t too shabby either. The Michael Hurdzan creation stretches to 7,003 yards of links-style layout playing from a variety of textures – wetlands, marshlands, saltwater marshes and Bermuda greens accentuated by an array of water holes, large sand traps and contoured greens. And all that excellent golf played at the most affordable price possible for its caliber. Budget-friendly golf vacations have never been friendlier and more enjoyable than this.

All these combined features have contributed to the list of merits listed under its belt.  These merits include an elusive Best New Public Golf Course from Golf Digest. With a resume quite as impressive, guests are assured of a jolly good time at the Eagle’s Landing Golf Club. It cares so much as to take the cares off of anyone’s golf trips.

Deer Run Golf Club

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The Deer Run Golf Club would have been Mr Congeniality in the Golf Course’s battle for the Best Golf Course in the World. Why, this course is very friendly from just about any angle. And it is not just the layout. This golf vacation destination never fails to put a smile on every visiting golfer, and it is a quality that is one for the books.

 As far as quality and excellence in layout is concerned, the Deer Run Golf Club is not in contention for America’s Top 100. It does not even have the flamboyant ‘signatures’ of the sport’s legends. But it holds a dear place in the hearts of every golfer who comes to spend golf vacations here. The amenities here as well as in the manner that they are served are just perfect examples of WARM and yes, FRIENDLY. But this has never equated to a lame layout. Designed by the Whole-in-One team of designers, this par-70 course measures a little over 6,100 yards and can be played from four different sets of tees. The team has built a challenging course that plays fast, making shot accuracy and A-grade club selection necessary. Large shaped bunkers guard the greens as well, makes for some second thought before each shot. The holes are set at varied lengths making it surprising at the least, dynamic at best.

Acres of stunning lakes contribute to the scenic quality of the Deer Run Golf Club. And the putting greens and other practice facilities make it even more excellent. Nothing makes golfing a more comfortable activity than this. It is so cozy it is every golfer’s bestfriend in the east – the kind that’s definitely worth going on a golf trip to.

Ocean Resorts Golf Club

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Golfers may easily spurt out Florida or California or even the Caribbean for their most favorite golf vacation destinations. Others may go to list the Canadian courses too. Because of the publicity that these high profile golfing states get, it is easy to overlook the courses of lower public profiles. Nothing big on this one, just a lot of great golfing opportunities missed. One great example is the OC. What most people miss about OC is its offering of great golf, just like at the Ocean Resorts Golf Club.

This golf course located 6 miles outside of Ocean City is actually quite a spectacle – both visually stunning and skill-stimulating. It has none of the signature features of legendary golfers and course designers, but it is easy to say there are quite a lot of notably good things on this one. The Ocean Resorts Club is Larry Jones design that measures 6,596 yards from the longest tees, par 72. It has 5 sets of tees that makes it an open-invitation for golfers of all skill levels. Another very inviting feature of this course are the wonderful collection of bunkers, mounds, and of course, holes set on a links-style layout. Golf vacations here are made even more interesting, not to mention scenic, thanks to the abundance of natural flora and fauna.

To perfectly cap any golf trip here are the world-class services that the staff offers. Sans the hustle and bustle of urban golfing experience, not to mention the green fees, the Ocean Resorts Golf Club is a true delight for any golfer. Courses and destinations like these are a most perfect breather for those who are looking for quality courses and are tired of overrated high end courses.