As the race for the Nextel Cup heads to Homestead-Miami Speedway and Jimmy Johnson tries to hold off the competition for his first championship, race fans will be traveling from all parts of the country.

The race is the attraction, but thousands will be looking for ways to enjoy their time in the days prior to and after the race. Many will bring along their golf clubs and hit the Country Club of Miami (www.miamidade.gov). A Robert Trent Jones design comprised of 36 championship holes, the Country Club of Miami was founded in 1961 and boasts Arnold Palmer as its first professional

Miami isn’t the only place where golf is more than an afterthought. Victoria Hills Golf Club (www.stjoegolf.com) in DeLand, Florida is a favorite stop when NASCAR hits the Daytona International Speedway. Tucked between Orlando and Daytona, Victoria Hills’ majestic layout boasts more than 50 feet of elevation change, taking advantage of the area’s natural rolling hills, foliage and wetlands. It was recently named the No. 8 public access course in Florida by Golfweek. Other accolades for Victoria Hills include: “Top 10 You Can Play” (GOLF Magazine), “4-1/2 Stars” (Golf Digest), “No. 2 Florida Course of the New Millennium” (T+L Golf).

While race fans crowd the Texas Motor Speedway, golfers flock to Bear Creek (www.bearcreek-golf.com). Home to the area's "Best Place to Host a Corporate Event" (Avid Golfer, 2002, 2003 and 2005), the 36-holes of championship-caliber golf and expansive practice facility provide every golfer the opportunity to enjoy the game we love. Bear Creek has been named among the "Top 50 Resort Courses in America" (Golf Digest) and one of the "10 Great Places to Golf" (The Wall Street Journal).

The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail garners much of Alabama’s golfing attention, but the savvy Talladega Superspeedway fan makes the short drive to Twin Bridges Golf Club (www.twinbridgesgolf.com). The par 72 course – set along the beautiful Coosa Bend River – was designed by Gene Bates and challenges golfers of all skill levels. In addition, Twin Bridges has earned Audubon International Silver Signature Sanctuary Status.

Twice a year, as NASCAR visits the Pocono Raceway, fans with a golf itch to scratch are overwhelmed with options. Home to hundreds of holes of golf, the Pocono Mountains (www.poconosgolf.com) are home to golf courses designed by renowned architects such as Donald Ross, A.W. Tillinghast and Jack Nicklaus. Whether looking for a championship course that will challenge the most accomplished golfer or an affordable option for beginners, the Pocono Mountains have a fit for anyone.

Rob Thomas
Buffalo Communications
214-701-1153
rthomas@billycaspergolf.com