GolfBlogger’s Gift Guide: Golf Trips Part 2
A golf trip just might be the ultimate golf gift. Whether it is in-state, across the country or overseas, the memories will last a lifetime
Here are some brief comments on golf trips that I have taken and that I recommend.
This article is actually part two of my recommended golf trips. You can find part one at the following link: GolfBlogger’s Travel Gift Guide Part 1
Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure
Nestled in the mountains of North Carolina, Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure offers two courses: Apple Valley and Bald Mountain. [resort website]
Apple Valley is a mountain course that architect Dan Maples somehow managed to route so that the holes are either level or downhill. It is a beautiful layout that I enjoyed even in a rain storm in early spring.
The other course, Bald Mountain, is famous for its role in the movie Dirty Dancing. Below is a video from the scene that was filmed on its sixteenth green.
Actually, several of the scenes were filmed at Rumbling Bald, but most of the buildings no longer stand.
As you would expect, the Rumbling Bald has a lot of lodging options and plenty of activities other than golf, including a wellness center and spa.
Morocco Golf Resorts
For the ultimate in exotic golf trips, consider a trip to Morocco. The golf is spectacular, the culture is fascinating, the people are friendly and a dollar goes a long way. A flight from New York to Casablanca is just over eight hours. [Official Tourism Website]
When I visited several years ago, Morocco had just a handful of courses. Today, there more than 40.
On my trip there, I played Royal Dar Es Salam (a Robert Trent Jones design) in Rabat, at the Mazagan Golf Resort, and at the Royal Palm golf resort in Marrakech. And, of course, I soaked in the local culture and food. I am anxious to return.
Read all about my golf trip to Morocco
Eagle Ridge
Eagle Ridge, in Galena, Illinois boasts 63 holes of golf in The General, The North, The South and the nine hole East. [resort website]
I really enjoyed my stay-and-play there and thought the facilities and courses were top notch. Even better: since I visited several years ago, the resort has worked on some serious upgrades.
For the non-golfer, the resort also has a spa, pools, horseback riding, bicycling, boating and fishing. Nearby downtown Galena is also a really neat place. For lodging, Eagle Ridge has hotel rooms, villas and houses. Eagle Ridge is a neat midwestern resort.
- Eagle Ridge The General Revew
- Eagle Ridge North Course Review
- Eagle Ridge South Course Review
- Eagle Ridge East Course Review
Wild Dunes
If beaches are your thing, Wild Dunes , near Charleston South Carolina, has two Tom Fazio courses: The Links and The Harbor. [resort website]
In addition to golf, the resort offers a Spa, beach activities, water sports, bicycling, tennis and a variety of workshops and local attractions. Nearby Charleston is an amazing city for history and food. This is a golf resort with plenty of things to do for the non-golfer in your life.
Mrs. GolfBlogger loved it.
Turning Stone
Turning Stone isn’t really a golf resort — it’s a vast casino and entertainment complex in Western New York. But it does have five outstanding courses: Atunyote, Kaluhyat, Shenendoah, Pleasant Knolls and the par three Sandstone Hollow. [resort website]
Atunyote is a Tom Fazio design that once hosted PGA TOUR events. Kalhuyat, a Robert Trent Jones, Jr. design, is as challenging as you might expect.
Because Turning Stone is a casino resort, lodging ranges from adequate to extravagant. You can get in a lot of activity at Turning Stone. It is another one of those resorts where a non-golfer can have a good time.
Island Resort and Casino
If you really want to get away from it all, Island Resort Casino in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is the place for you. [resort website]
The resort has two absolutely outstanding courses in Sweetgrass and Sage Run. Sweetgrass is a prairie-links style course that has perhaps the best conditioning I have ever seen. Sage Run is routed through woods and across a large drumlin — a hill created by glacial ice.
Nearby, you’ll also find the highly acclaimed Greywalls.
Sandals Emerald Bay Golf, Tennis and Spa Resort
Sandals Emerald Bay, on Great Exuma, is one of the few Sandals properties that offer on-site golf. Emerald Reef is a fun Greg Norman design to which I would love to return. There is just the one course here, but there is so much else to do at a Sandals Resort: pools, kayaking, windsurfing, snorkeling, sailboats, paddle boats, tennis, horseshoes, board games, pool tables, bocce ball, live shows, fitness center, local adventure tours and of course, Sandals’ famous basically unlimited food and drink.
Tullymore and St. Ives Golf Resort
Tullymore Golf Resort in Canadian Lakes, Michigan features two fun golf courses. [resort website]
Tullymore is a fabulous Jim Engh design: imaginative and spacious. St. Ives, from well-known Michigan golf course designer Jerry Matthews, is a more traditional mitten state layout, with tree-lined fairways and significant elevation changes.
The resort has a hotel, condos, and cottages that sleep up to ten. The fabulous Lodge at Tullymore has ten bedrooms, each with two queen beds and a private bathroom. The shared area features a giant kitchen, and living room complete with pool table, poker tables and flat screen tvs. I’ve never seen a better place for a large golf outing.
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