Picking the right golf resort can be the difference between a wonderful vacation and a so-so time. Thankfully, there are never really any "wrong" decisions when the destination is Kauai. Jason Scott Deegan recently visited three -- St. Regis Princeville Resort in Princeville, the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa in Koloa and the Kaua'i Marriott Resort in Lihue -- and offers his take on each.
A good par-3 course can counter several of the most common complaints about golf -- it takes too long to play, is too expensive and too difficult. The truth is, however, most par-3 courses aren't worth the trip for the traveling golfer. That may be starting to change, though. Mike Bailey spotlights some of the very best par-3 courses (open to the public) in the country.
The best part about the golf scene in Bend, Oregon, in addition to the climate, is the variety. High desert courses are minutes from pure mountain courses. Updated classics straddle modern standouts. With 30-plus courses, the Bend golf scene is loaded. Brandon Tucker gives you an idea of where to start.
Staying and playing "Scotland's Golf Coast" along the southern shores of the Firth of Forth will charm and delight any golf group. There are 22 courses within close proximity to one another, providing convenience and variety. All of the links are easily found by following the coast roads from Musselburgh to Dunbar.
TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Conn. hosts this week's Travelers Championship on the PGA Tour. The course, which has been re-designed over the years by both Pete Dye (1982) and Bobby Weed (1989), boasts rolling fairways that are framed by corridors of mature oak, sycamore, maple and eastern white pine. This par-70, 6,844-yard course features bentgrass from tee to green surrounded by bluegrass fescue roughs. Plentiful ponds and lakes add to the challenge, though multiple tees on each hole help golfers of all handicaps experience the design elements that make TPC River Highlands a favorite among both members pros. According to Weed, TPC River Highlands is defended by small green complexes, a mix of half-par holes, varied topography with a number of blind to semi-blind holes and strategic bunkering.
TPC at River Highlands - Private in Cromwell
The Rees Jones Course at Sea Trail Golf Resort and Conference Center is a bit atypical for him, as he has not done a lot of resort courses situated within larger complexes of other courses and substantial real estate development. Given the residential surroundings and the resort traffic, one might imagine the layout to be less than memorable or even generic. This expectation is happily dashed after the first few holes.
... full article »
A good par-3 course can counter several of the most common complaints about golf -- it takes too long to play, is too expensive and too difficult. The truth is, however, most par-3 courses aren't worth the trip for the traveling golfer. That may be starting to change, though. Mike Bailey spotlights some of the very best par-3 courses (open to the public) in the country.
... full article »
Don't let the first impression of the Puakea Golf Course on Kauai fool you. Beyond the trailer clubhouse and the flat holes behind the local Costco hides a tropical golf paradise. The par 3s are the star at Puakea and the views of Mt. Ha'upu later in the round leave everybody satisfied. See why this Robin Nelson design remains a local favorite.
... full article »
The sun came out over Wales Monday, and Senior Writer Brandon Tucker ditched the final round of Ryder Cup play for 18 holes at nearby Pyle and Kenfig Golf Club. As the Americans rallied and ultimately fell short, Tucker offers his unique perspective on the European victory and the celebration that ensued.
... full article »
Cougar Point Golf Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort "is a real winner and one Gary Player made sure would be a crowd pleaser among the many courses in the Charleston area," writes WorldGolf.com reader Elliot DeBear. "Cougar Point is a perfect resort course, challenging when played from the correct tees with beautifully laid out holes."
... full article »
Picking the right golf resort can be the difference between a wonderful vacation and a so-so time. Thankfully, there are never really any "wrong" decisions when the destination is Kauai. Jason Scott Deegan recently visited three -- St. Regis Princeville Resort in Princeville, the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa in Koloa and the Kaua'i Marriott Resort in Lihue -- and offers his take on each.
... full article »