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Building the
Ultimate List
I began the process by gathering all the lists of
popular U.S. golf destinations I could find. This journey led me from About.com
to Golf Digest, from travel websites to sports websites and everything in
between. I read lists by golfers, journalists, travelers and even
historians.
The Envelope Please
When the dust settled, I had 15
lists of popular golf destinations in the country. Then I began
cross-referencing to determine which cities occurred on the most lists. So here
you have the best of the best ... the elite ... the ten most popular golf
cities in the United States.
(Ive listed these cities alphabetically,
because anything else would have required way too much math.)
- Hilton Head, South Carolina
The
readers of Golf Digest put South Carolinas Hilton Head Island at number 10 on a
list of the worlds best resorts. Do I really need to say any more than that?
Okay, heres more. You can choose from more than 20 golf courses that wind
around marshes, lakes and lagoons. For more information, visit
www.GolfIsland.com.
- Las Vegas, Nevada
Say "Las
Vegas" to most people, and gambling usually comes to mind. But Las Vegas is
also a premier golf destination with more than two-dozen courses. Popular
choices include Reflection Bay, Royal Links and The Canyons. Just be mindful of
the time of year -- if you travel there in the summer, you can expect
temperatures over 100. For more information, visit
www.LasVegasGolf.com.
- Maui, Hawaii
Aside from the lush
beauty one normally associates with Maui, the Hawaiian island also offers the
states only 54-hole courses, Wailea and Kapalua. According to VisitMaui.com,
theres plenty of availability to go around: "Although Maui hosts several
well-known professional tournaments tee times are rarely hard to come by."
Learn more at www.VisitMaui.com.
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
I
went on family trips to Myrtle Beach each year for over a decade. I recall how
eager my siblings and I would be to play a round of Jungle Golf, miniature golf
with all the animal props you could shake a club at. But Myrtle Beach has
plenty of golf for "big kids," too. Popular courses include The Legends, Grand
Dunes, Wild Wing and Tidewater. Learn at
www.MyrtleBeachGolf.com.
- Orlando, Florida
Orlando conjures
images of Disney World, Universal Studios and similar attractions. But it also
attracts plenty of golfers to its more than 20 courses. Popular stops include
Orange County National, Bay Hill and Disney. Where else can you golf with
Mickey Mouse? Learn more at
www.GolfOrlando.com.
- Palm Springs, California
If you
like the idea of golfing on lush green courses with plenty of palm trees and a
backdrop of rugged mountains, Palm Springs is the place for you. Within the
Coachella Valley, there are more than 100 courses. According to GolfDigest.com,
"PGA West, La Quinta and Mission Hills North are the three big resorts in
town." Learn more at www.PalmSprings.com/golf.
- Phoenix / Scottsdale, Arizona
I'm
aware that Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona are two different cities. But theyre
so close to one another - and they appeared together on so many lists - that I
felt they deserved to share a spot in my top ten. The desert landscape alone is
worth a trip. Add to that the abundance of world-class golf courses, and you
have a desert paradise for any avid golfer. Learn more at
www.AZgolf.org.
- Pinehurst, North Carolina
Yes,
were back in the Carolinas again. Im not biased or anything - the Carolinas
just come up on a lot of lists. Pinehurst is both a resort and a village. The
website PinehurstGolf.com explains: "Pinehurst, the resort, is a wonderful
collection of historic hotels and eight world-class golf courses that is widely
considered one of the top golf destinations in the world. Pinehurst, the
Village, is a quaint New England style town..." Learn more at
www.PinehurstGolf.com.
- San Diego, California
I lived in
San Diego for three years, so I can vouch that the city is worth a visit.
Whether you go for the golf, the sightseeing or a combination of the two, San
Diego wont disappoint. San Diego County has excellent weather year-round,
allowing for plenty of golf days on any of the countys 80+ golf courses. Torrey
Pines and La Costa are popular stops. Learn more at
www.SanDiegoGolf.com.
- Williamsburg, Virginia
If your'e
a history buff as well as a golfer, put Williamsburg, Virginia on this years
trip roster. Colonial Williamsburg is a living history museum that lets you
step back in time to the days of the Revolutionary War. And when youre ready to
step onto the green, youll find more than a dozen top-rated courses to
accommodate you. Stonehouse, Royal New Kent and Kingsmill are popular stops.
Learn more at www.GolfWilliamsburg.com.
B.R. Cornett
writes on behalf of ProQuip, a provider of golf rain apparel and the preferred
supplier of the 2006 European Ryder Cup Team. Learn more about their golf
weatherwear at http://www.proquipusa.net.
More
Golf Tips
Golf Basics
There are three things that you will want
to keep in mind when you play golf.
The Basic Golf Swing
Hitting the ball with
the basic golf swing is more physics than strength.
Golf
Resources
Golf Swing Aids
Since the golf game revolves
around the technique of your swing, it should be obvious that one of the
important parts of your golf training would be the golf swing aid. |
