Pepsi's Monterey to DC Roadtrip Extravaganza...! (Sep 22 - 29)

[PepsiDuck]

Alas, my time in Monterey is finally coming to an end, and I will be relocating to the DC metro area at the end of September. I will be driving across country solo, so I figured this was the best opportunity to take my time and hit the best golf spots along the way. I would love to hear your recommendations, both for the route and for golf, eating, and touring. I will also post a trip report along the way.

 

Here are some of the "ground rules":

1. I have not had the chance to drive cross-country north of the 40, so I'm only considering any combination of interstates between the 70 and 80.
   
2. I am willing to splurge on one, or two if it's really worth it, high $$$ courses (French Lick (Pete Dye) comes to mind) along the way.
   
3. I plan on playing no more than one round a day, with the average cost of $50-$75 being reasonable for me.
   
4. Public courses only, please...
   

So the first question is: what is the best route, based on interstate conditions, cities I'd pass through, golf, etc.? My first leg is set in stone, since I'll be playing golf with my very good friends, drewtaylor12 and robrey85, in Vegas on my way out.

 

Monterey, CA --> I-5 --> I-15 --> Las Vegas --> I-15 --> I-70 --> Denver --> ???

 

From Denver, I can take either 70 through Kansas or 80 through Nebraska. After that is when things get interesting, as I can bounce north/south depending on the best cities to travel through after crossing the Mississippi.

• What route (or cities) and courses would you recommend? City + course recommendations would be most helpful.
  
• Would you be interested in linking up for a round?
  

And thanks in advance for your input!

[Argonne69]

Wild Horse GC in Nebraska is right off of I-80, and worth a visit.

 

The Dye course at French Lick is also special. You could head south at Omaha to KC, and then continue east from there.

 

If you decide to stay on I-80, I'd suggest TPC Deere Run in Silvis, IL (Quad Cities area).

 

[PepsiDuck]

Wild Horse GC in Nebraska is right off of I-80, and worth a visit.

 

The Dye course at French Lick is also special. You could head south at Omaha to KC, and then continue east from there.

 

If you decide to stay on I-80, I'd suggest TPC Deere Run in Silvis, IL (Quad Cities area).

 

Thanks for the recommendations. I read your Nebraska trip report and am definitely favoring that route rather than Kansas based on the report...I've never been through that part of the country (Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, etc.), so that's the part I am least sure about.

[Argonne69]

The Prairie Club would be fantastic, but you'd be looking at a 2.5 hour detour off of I-80 each way. Not sure if you wouldn't want to add 5 hours to your trip. It's such an out of the way place, it would be a pity to be that close....

[drewtaylor21]

Have you asked @kaelagirl which route she prefers? I assume she's caddying for you for the duration....

[PepsiDuck]

The Prairie Club would be fantastic, but you'd be looking at a 2.5 hour detour off of I-80 each way. Not sure if you wouldn't want to add 5 hours to your trip. It's such an out of the way place, it would be a pity to be that close....

 

Yikes...that *is* out of the way...probably the only way I'd do that is if I decided to link up onto the 90 and go waaay north...

 

Have you asked @kaelagirl which route she prefers? I assume she's caddying for you for the duration....

 

That goes without say. :golfer:

[Sean2]

I have driven cross country three times: northern, central, and southern routes. Sadly I didn't play golf at the time. It would have been a blast to stop occasionally to play some golf! However, I did get chased by a small heard of buffalo the day after Yellowstone opened for the season. Fore!

 

Have a safe, and fun trip!

[Hawkeye77]

Why do I see you getting tips from all over on how to do this and ending up in Key West? Just teasing and hope you have a safe trip!

 

It's all timing, trying to fit golf into a long trip like that, and how much you can fit in.

 

Deere Run a great track, lucky to play there last fall about that time. Selfishly, I'd stay in Coralville or Iowa City (college town amenities in downtown IC for the evening) and catch a round at iconic Finkbine GC - interesting holes, fast greens, fairways a premium. People that get it and play it over time appreciate it as an old Iowa gem. So if you just can't drive that next 75 miles to Deere Run, IC a great place to stop.

[rpgolf]

Wild Horse GC in Nebraska is right off of I-80, and worth a visit.

 

The Dye course at French Lick is also special. You could head south at Omaha to KC, and then continue east from there.

 

If you decide to stay on I-80, I'd suggest TPC Deere Run in Silvis, IL (Quad Cities area).

 

Thanks for the recommendations. I read your Nebraska trip report and am definitely favoring that route rather than Kansas based on the report...I've never been through that part of the country (Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, etc.), so that's the part I am least sure about.

 

Totally agree with the Nebraska/Iowa route. If you go that way, the Harvester in IA is excellent too. It gets tougher in IL, IN, OH for great publics on the route though.

 

A few other ideas:

IL: Dubsdread in Lemont (overrated but famous), Weaver Ridge in Peoria (great layout, poor conditions)

IN: Indy Motor Speedway (havent played it but unique for sure), Dye Course at French Lick (out of way if taking north route)

OH: No clue?

[PepsiDuck]

Why do I see you getting tips from all over on how to do this and ending up in Key West? Just teasing and hope you have a safe trip!

 

It's all timing, trying to fit golf into a long trip like that, and how much you can fit in.

 

Deere Run a great track, lucky to play there last fall about that time. Selfishly, I'd stay in Coralville or Iowa City (college town amenities in downtown IC for the evening) and catch a round at iconic Finkbine GC - interesting holes, fast greens, fairways a premium. People that get it and play it over time appreciate it as an old Iowa gem. So if you just can't drive that next 75 miles to Deere Run, IC a great place to stop.

 

Or Mexico...

 

So is there anything notable in Iowa besides Finkbine? I'm also trying to strategically space out the courses so that I'm not doing two in a state, or two where I can't get at least 8-10 hours of driving in after the round. So I imagine TPC Deere Run over Finkbine?

[PepsiDuck]

Totally agree with the Nebraska/Iowa route. If you go that way, the Harvester in IA is excellent too. It gets tougher in IL, IN, OH for great publics on the route though.

 

A few other ideas:

IL: Dubsdread in Lemont (overrated but famous), Weaver Ridge in Peoria (great layout, poor conditions)

IN: Indy Motor Speedway (havent played it but unique for sure), Dye Course at French Lick (out of way if taking north route)

OH: No clue?

 

I am really considering jumping off the 80 down to 64 going through French Lick...but that would put me in Louisville KY...what's in KY...?! I've read about the holes inside the loop of the Indy Speedway, and that certainly seems cool, but I don't know if it'd be worth it just for those few holes if the rest of the course is rather unremarkable. So there really are a lot of options after Iowa, assuming I go through Nebraska and Iowa...

[PepsiDuck]

Also, does anyone have course recommendations for Denver...? I feel like Arrowhead is at the top of my list, based solely on the beautifully finished pictures on the website...

[Hawkeye77]

Why do I see you getting tips from all over on how to do this and ending up in Key West? Just teasing and hope you have a safe trip!

 

It's all timing, trying to fit golf into a long trip like that, and how much you can fit in.

 

Deere Run a great track, lucky to play there last fall about that time. Selfishly, I'd stay in Coralville or Iowa City (college town amenities in downtown IC for the evening) and catch a round at iconic Finkbine GC - interesting holes, fast greens, fairways a premium. People that get it and play it over time appreciate it as an old Iowa gem. So if you just can't drive that next 75 miles to Deere Run, IC a great place to stop.

 

Or Mexico...

 

So is there anything notable in Iowa besides Finkbine? I'm also trying to strategically space out the courses so that I'm not doing two in a state, or two where I can't get at least 8-10 hours of driving in after the round. So I imagine TPC Deere Run over Finkbine?

 

Yep, with that caveat hit Deere Run. The Harvestor is about 20 miles north of I80 and farther west so not really going to work. Blue Top Ridge just a bit south of IC is interesting (lost what would be a few more really good holes to floods a few years ago and the replacements aren't as great), but it's also a detour.

 

With that driving/timing you might consider the Omaha area as a stop before driving to Deere Run unless you find something interesting a bit farther west in Nebraska. Only about 5 1/2 hours or so, depending, from Omaha to Deere Run, however, so will be hard to fit anything to play in Iowa into your schedule if Deere Run is on the list. I'd choose that, even though it's in Illinois, lol, rather than delay your trip for any easily accessible courses along I80 in Iowa.

[PepsiDuck]

Yep, with that caveat hit Deere Run. The Harvestor is about 20 miles north of I80 and farther west so not really going to work. Blue Top Ridge just a bit south of IC is interesting (lost what would be a few more really good holes to floods a few years ago and the replacements aren't as great), but it's also a detour.

 

With that driving/timing you might consider the Omaha area as a stop before driving to Deere Run unless you find something interesting a bit farther west in Nebraska. Only about 5 1/2 hours or so, depending, from Omaha to Deere Run, however, so will be hard to fit anything to play in Iowa into your schedule if Deere Run is on the list. I'd choose that, even though it's in Illinois, lol, rather than delay your trip for any easily accessible courses along I80 in Iowa.

 

I think I will likely take Argonne's recommendation on Wild Horse in central Nebraska, especially since he spoke so highly of it in his trip report. It's about 8 hours between that and Deere Run, so it'd be perfect to get to the Illinois border after my round at Wild Horse.

 

Then after Deere Run I could drive southeast to French Lick, play that the next day, and then get to West Virginia that night and maybe hit up TPC Greenbrier? And then after looking at the website for the Greenbrier, I went... $$$$$?!?!? That's in French Lick territory...

[007iron]

Hit battlement Mesa along I-70 in Colorado. Great course and only 5 minutes off the interstate. Affordable and a great track you can walk or ride.

 

In Denver fossil trace is also convenient and arrowhead is beautiful as you alluded to.

 

Enjoy your adventure.

[Argonne69]

My first instinct would be to play both French Lick and Greenbrier. However, Greenbrier is only 3 hours from DC, so you could always plan a future date at the resort. I have to imagine there are some wonderful courses in West Virginia and western Virginia.

 

The Brickyard is an excellent course designed by Pete Dye. The holes in the infield are unique because of the views of the track, but the rest of the course is actually much better. I think it's the best of the public courses in Indy. That said, I'd still choose French Lick Dye over The Brickyard.

 

[balladm]

You need to get on Congressional while you are out there too. Good luck with the drive, I have done it 4 times now but never played a round of golf.

[DaNNsN]

My first instinct would be to play both French Lick and Greenbrier. However, Greenbrier is only 3 hours from DC, so you could always plan a future date at the resort. I have to imagine there are some wonderful courses in West Virginia and western Virginia.

 

The Brickyard is an excellent course designed by Pete Dye. The holes in the infield are unique because of the views of the track, but the rest of the course is actually much better. I think it's the best of the public courses in Indy. That said, I'd still choose French Lick Dye over The Brickyard.

 

Greenbrier is an amazing place but they are getting ready to modify 2 of the 3 resort courses. So if you have the desire to play them how they are now and how the they play with the PGA event take a look otherwise you can wait till they change things up.

[PepsiDuck]

My first instinct would be to play both French Lick and Greenbrier. However, Greenbrier is only 3 hours from DC, so you could always plan a future date at the resort. I have to imagine there are some wonderful courses in West Virginia and western Virginia.

 

This is a great point...there really isn't an urgency to play it if it's so close to home...and the total price will be quite steep if I'm doing both...

 

The Brickyard is an excellent course designed by Pete Dye. The holes in the infield are unique because of the views of the track, but the rest of the course is actually much better. I think it's the best of the public courses in Indy. That said, I'd still choose French Lick Dye over The Brickyard.

 

I tend to agree, especially since I can only do one course per state...so I saw that a cart is included and a forecaddie is required...? Can I just walk with a regular caddie that carries my bag? :dntknw:

 

 

Greenbrier is an amazing place but they are getting ready to modify 2 of the 3 resort courses. So if you have the desire to play them how they are now and how the they play with the PGA event take a look otherwise you can wait till they change things up.

 

I checked the website and it looks like one of the courses is closed for the season...or something like that...?

[PepsiDuck]

You need to get on Congressional while you are out there too. Good luck with the drive, I have done it 4 times now but never played a round of golf.

 

Yessir! Hope you and your family are doing well. I would definitely like to get down to Augusta for some golf with you, even if it isn't at Augusta National...

[PepsiDuck]

Hit battlement Mesa along I-70 in Colorado. Great course and only 5 minutes off the interstate. Affordable and a great track you can walk or ride.

 

In Denver fossil trace is also convenient and arrowhead is beautiful as you alluded to.

 

Enjoy your adventure.

 

Wow...Fossil Trace looks pretty amazing too. With Arrowhead, I worry that the pictures are like the McDonald's TV ads and when you actually get your food at the restaurant, you're disappointed with reality...just wondering if conditions are generally good...I'd hate to go to a place with such scenic views but such poor conditions that the experience is ruined...

[Argonne69]

I'm not sure if you can get a regular caddie at French Lick. I had a forecaddie, and it worked out fine. I was there on an unlimited golf package, so I played a round at the Ross course the first day, and two on the Dye course the 2nd day.

 

[balladm]

You need to get on Congressional while you are out there too. Good luck with the drive, I have done it 4 times now but never played a round of golf.

 

Yessir! Hope you and your family are doing well. I would definitely like to get down to Augusta for some golf with you, even if it isn't at Augusta National...

 

Anytime, also give me a shout if you come down for the tournament.

[robrey85]

Also, does anyone have course recommendations for Denver...? I feel like Arrowhead is at the top of my list, based solely on the beautifully finished pictures on the website...

 

Don't waste your time with Arrowhead or Fossil Trace man! Go big or go home. Go play Bear Dance Creek, if you can get on Castle Pines CC, that'd be dope too! They used to have a PGA event there back in the day. When I was there earlier this month, I played Riverdale Dunes, Green Valley Ranch GC as well as Bear Dance. Last time, I played Fossil Trace and there were some great holes on Fossil Trace but definitely not worth it IMHO. I've heard by the locals that Arrowhead is more of a gimmick than an actual "good" golf course, yet another waste of time.

 

With that said, definitely looking forward to playing Mountain Falls !~@#$% Holler at us because I already forgot the dates you were coming down.