I just returned from Naples, Florida and Scottsdale, Arizona and I'm more confused than usual. I understand that rates plunge after the snow birds go home. I understand that in today's economic slump ... a slump is a slump, that courses are scrambling to haul in golfers with some cash.

So why don't more economic-minded golfers buck the northward migration and head south at this time of year? If you want to play 'til you drop, stay in a good place with a comfy king-size bed, pool and granite countertops. If you want to have access to some grand fitness facilities and a beautiful setting. If you can handle hot weather and you want to do all this on the cheap, Florida or Arizona may just be the place to go for the next few months.

Whereas tee times are at a premium, courses are jammed and green fees are at their priciest in the north during summer months, in the south, you are in the driver's seat. At least for now.

In Naples and Fort Myers all along Rt. I-75 and other major routes, there is a plethora of golf course communities with fancy gate after gate announcing spectacular residential living opportunities. They put on a brave face, but many communities are trying to regroup after a rough couple of years.

This adds up to some amazing deals for visitors and new buyers.

How does staying in a Ritz-Carlton in Naples and playing golf at a fine course like The Rookery at Marco for $175 sound? Or "Putting on the Ritz with green fees after 1:30 at just $68. Normally rental clubs alone are $65.You do the math.

Renting a condo in Lely Island Resort in Naples where a summer golf membership goes for $400 through October gives you golf on two great courses, the Flamingo and Mustang, plus unlimited use of the driving range. You'll pay just $25 for golf including a cart.

Or go west to play golf in Scottsdale or Tucson, Arizona, where sizzling golf deals abound in the off-season. Just play golf early in the morning and retreat to air-conditioned comfort like a spa when the day heats up hotter than a Mexican chili pepper. For off-course fun chill out with wild and gritty adventures like river rafting and huge pools.

The 235 ft. water slide at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club's Dove Mountain just outside Tucson is sure to cool your jets and your kids gotta love the whole idea. You will too with drastically reduced green fees at the new Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at Dove Mountain plummeting to $45 after 2 p.m. in the summer.

Think about it. You can rent your place in the mountains or lakes, head south, pay for a great vacation, play all the golf you want to and still put some extra bucks in the bank.

Hot stuff.

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