single golf trip

[danman44]

hi guys.. Im an aussie living in China with no golfbuddies. looking to spend 10-12 in the USA playing golf every morning and exploring in the afternoons.

anybody got opinions on the best places to go as a loner？ive been to pebble and vegas mesquite before so id prefer something new

[ArtMBgolf]

No matter what destination you go to, you will have the same situation with tee times and getting paired up. If they have online tee times, look it over for 2/3somes before

calling for a tee time. Golf destinations will have packagers to help you with advice for that destination.

 

Weather will matter also, depending on the time of the year. IE Florida + AZ are good in the winter, but also more expensive, cheaper in the summer, but very hot.

[Argonne69]

I've taken over 60 solo golf trips, and have a lot of experience with booking solo rounds. How early would you be willing to tee off? Many courses will allow a single to jump out in front of the other groups if you're the first one out. Of course the downside is that you're dealing with morning dew, and maintenance crews. If you don't want to start at sunrise, then as @ArtMBgolf notes, you should look for existing 2/3-somes to join. Many courses will not allow a single to book in an open 4-slot, so you'll have to find a slot with a 2/3/some already booked. That makes it a bit more difficult. Generally speaking late mornings and afternoons are more open. Are you open to doing your sightseeing in the morning, and then playing golf in the afternoon? I've had rounds in the afternoon where the course was almost empty. Also, what time of the year are you planning to visit? In many parts of the U.S. the courses will be less busy at certain times of the year, but that usually comes with less than perfect playing conditions.

 

With 10 to 12 days to work with, I'd say you'd probably want to visit at least two areas of the country. Personally I'd get bored with 10 days in one city. Is great golf your first priority, or the sight-seeing options the first priority? For example, Bandon Dunes in Oregon has fantastic golf, but there's not a heck of a lot to do in the local area unless you're into hiking/biking. On the other hand a city like Chicago offers tons of things to do off the course, but the golf courses are not bucket list type courses.

 

Lastly, do you want to stay in a single hotel and drive to the golf/sights each day, or are you willing to pack up every fews days? There are a number of places where moving every few days would be required to keep you from getting bored.

 

[tiderider]

when are you planning to play?

[jvincent]

The exploring in the afternoons is giving me a hard time.

 

I agree with @Argonne69 that you probably want to do two locations but I'm struggling to think of places that have good golf and good exploring close by.

 

Kiawah Island is close enough to Charleston that you could spend a few days there and spend a couple of afternoons in Charleston doing the tourist thing. If you don't mind some driving the next best place I can think of is the area around San Francisco.

[mci711]

You could do Arizona. Start in Phoenix play a ton of golf. We-ko-pa, Troon, Ak-Chin, the list goes on. You could take a couple days and go north. Explore Sedona (I think the most beautiful part of the country) play 7 canyons, very unique course, take a day at the Grand Canyon. There are so many courses and so much to do there.

[TM_HOYER]

As others have said, time of year is going to play a big part of where to go. One option from Mid-October to early May is Orlando. There are plenty of places to stay, golf courses, and attractions. I have stayed at Bay Hill club and Lodge as a single many times. Tee times for guests start at 10 am. There are plenty of other nice courses to play that are nearby. You have Disney, Universal, and Seaworld just short drives away. Plenty of shopping and nice restaurants nearby. If you want to do a day trip, you can drive to Daytona Speedway / Motorsports Hall of Fame or World Golf Village / Hall of Fame. Also the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass would be a day trip.

[tiderider]

if not in the winter, i'd fly into chicago and drive a loop from chicago up wisconsin to the upper peninsula of michigan and down back to chicago ... or vice versa ... could also dip into indiana for a few courses, and maybe even northern kentucky so as to sample some bourbon distilleries ...

[CCTxGolf]

Central Texas may be a good solution for at least part of your trip. Stay a couple nights in Austin and ply the Omni Barton courses and the horseshoe bay courses. Then play downtown during the evenings and at night (6th Street, capital etc.) Next go stay in San Antonio on the river walk. Play the Cantera courses, Hyatt hill country, and the TPC’s. River walk, Alamo, bars during the day and night. Both cities have great muni’s too if you are looking for less expensive options. Also, at those resorts you will have no problem as a single. They will gladly wrk with you to pair you up or get you early and late.

 

ATX and San Antone are about an hour apart by car.

[Zac1321]

 

 

-what is more important for you? golf first and foremost and exploring as an afterthought or awesome exploring/sightseeing with golf playing second fiddle?

-i would definitely say at least 2 locations over that time period. i dont think theres anywhere that you can stay for that long and not get bored, but more importantly theres so many good locations might as well knock a few out.

-are you looking to do bucket list top-100 courses or are you just interested in getting good golf in a new country and arent too concerened with the name power of a course (i find this might make a big difference in terms of flexibility with getting on courses as a single with less issue)

 

most importantly what exactly do you mean by exploring? are you hoping to see specific landmarks/sights or are you just looking to poke around and enjoy the general vibe and culture of different places? this could make a big difference in terms of going a little more off the beaten track such as wisconsin/bandon etc vs near a bigger city or more touristy area

 

i think if youre able to answer those questions for what youre hoping to get out of it you can really narrow down what areas of the country would best fit the bill

 

[68bronco]

Solid advice so far.

 

Another recommendation would be playing courses in Pinehurst over 4 days then driving down to Charleston and Kiawah. You can’t go wrong on this itinerary!

[lookylookitzadam]

San Diego/Orange County/Los Angeles.

 

You could easily spend 10-12 days playing and exploring these areas. Cost of courses can be anywhere from $20 up to $300 depending on where you play so there is a lot of options.

[ryu123]

totally agree with Zac. Prioritize: golf vs exploring the locale.

 

It won't be easy to find really great courses plus awesome cities, unless you have access to privates.

 

(I used to rate courses for a magazine. Obviously the priority was to play the courses, then do stuff later. The focus was golf and so there was less pressure to find interesting things afterwards.)

[danman44]

thanks for the input folks. ill clarify a few things，id like to play with other people if possible single golfing is not so much fun.. so a place with friendly golfers welcoming an outof towner. exploring kinda like a man vs food thing or burgers brew n q .. finding the best food food in the city. time of year.. August. i know its hot but im used to that living in the tropics and also being from Melbourne.. 100degrees at 70% humidity is brutal but my body can manage it. 2 seperate places is a good suggestion ive seen from a lot of you

[Zac1321]

youre going to have a ton of options that will fit the bill. i think pinehurst would be a great, the golf speaks for itself and i would doubt youd end up getting sent out as a single youll get great barbeque even spreading out a little ways from the town youll find plenty of great hole in the wall joints. Wisconsin as well, cant go wrong with cheese curds and spotted cow. Im sure plenty of others would be able to chip in with some great suggestions

[danman44]

I was thinking wisconsin but seeing the ryder cup is on Im sure whistling straights wont be open to play.. pinehurst looks like a good choice though.. BBQ and beers sound good

[Argonne69]

I'd consider a trip from Seattle to Bandon Dunes, with a stop in Portland along the way. Plenty in the way of food and brewpubs. Chambers Bay and Bandon's courses would make good bookends. Temperatures won't melt your face.

 

Charleston to Savannah would be cool. Kiawah Island and the Hilton Head courses.

 

I do like the idea of a Lake Michigan circle tour. Chicago, Milwaukee, Green Bay, Traverse City, and Grand Rapids. You've got Erin Hills, Kohler, the Michigan upper peninsula, Traverse City area, Arcadia Bluffs, and Harbor Shores. Plenty of great golf and a ton of breweries.

[pseudoswede]

Denver in the spring: ski in the morning, golf after lunch, then a concert at Red Rocks or a baseball/basketball/hockey game in the evening. Wash, rinse, repeat.

[CDM]

> @Argonne69 said:

> I've taken over 60 solo golf trips, and have a lot of experience with booking solo rounds. How early would you be willing to tee off? **Many courses will allow a single to jump out in front of the other groups if you're the first one out**.

>

 

I always have to book solo on trips as the wife does not play. That noted, I need to play the courses you play LOL I always like to play early to spend the rest of the time see the area we are at, though 90% percent of time I am told the same answer " Sorry we don't let solo players out that early as they will catch the maintenance crew's " .

 

Edit: Will note the courses that have let me out solo and early I normally catch the crews. Can normally play 18 holes in 2.5 hours easy... which is nice !!!

 

 

[Argonne69]

> @CDM said:

> > @Argonne69 said:

> > I've taken over 60 solo golf trips, and have a lot of experience with booking solo rounds. How early would you be willing to tee off? **Many courses will allow a single to jump out in front of the other groups if you're the first one out**.

> >

>

> I always have to book solo on trips as the wife does not play. That noted, I need to play the courses you play LOL I always like to play early to spend the rest of the time see the area we are at, though 90% percent of time I am told the same answer " Sorry we don't let solo players out that early as they will catch the maintenance crew's " .

>

> Edit: Will note the courses that have let me out solo and early I normally catch the crews. Can normally play 18 holes in 2.5 hours easy... which is nice !!!

>

>

 

One trick is to book the first tee time with an existing twosome or threesome. On the 2nd hole ask the group if they mind you playing ahead. I've never had anyone so no. They'd rather play with their partners without a stranger tagging along.

[LICC]

> @danman44 said:

> thanks for the input folks. ill clarify a few things，id like to play with other people if possible single golfing is not so much fun.. so a place with friendly golfers welcoming an outof towner. exploring kinda like a man vs food thing or burgers brew n q .. finding the best food food in the city. time of year.. August. i know its hot but im used to that living in the tropics and also being from Melbourne.. 100degrees at 70% humidity is brutal but my body can manage it. 2 seperate places is a good suggestion ive seen from a lot of you

 

In August, forget Florida or Texas. Southern California should have a good mix of what you are looking for. Start in San Diego (Coronado, Omni courses), drive up to La Jolla (Torrey Pines) and then LA (Rustic Canyon). You'll get some sticky weather in Chicago but there and Wisconsin is also an option. Or go East Coast and do some mix of Kiawah, Hilton Head, Sea Island (with food exploration of Savannah and Charleston), but that could still be pretty hot in August.

[RichieHunt]

Forget Florida in August if you don't want the heat. August is usually the worst time for heat and humidity in Florida. You're looking at 90* days with 80% humidity. It will also rain hard...a lot. So rounds will get cancelled or delayed and only the really expensive courses are in good condition.

 

 

 

 

 

RH

[Schley]

> @Argonne69 said:

> > @CDM said:

> > > @Argonne69 said:

> > > I've taken over 60 solo golf trips, and have a lot of experience with booking solo rounds. How early would you be willing to tee off? **Many courses will allow a single to jump out in front of the other groups if you're the first one out**.

> > >

> >

> > I always have to book solo on trips as the wife does not play. That noted, I need to play the courses you play LOL I always like to play early to spend the rest of the time see the area we are at, though 90% percent of time I am told the same answer " Sorry we don't let solo players out that early as they will catch the maintenance crew's " .

> >

> > Edit: Will note the courses that have let me out solo and early I normally catch the crews. Can normally play 18 holes in 2.5 hours easy... which is nice !!!

> >

> >

>

> One trick is to book the first tee time with an existing twosome or threesome. On the 2nd hole ask the group if they mind you playing ahead. I've never had anyone so no. They'd rather play with their partners without a stranger tagging along.

 

I Play solo golf a fair bit myself, however maintenance crews need to do their work. When else are they going to do their work? It is fairly well known practice that courses who care about their superintendent at all will always try and fill the first group with a foursome. This is to give the crew the time they need. Sucks for single golfers who want to fly around at their convenience, but not realistic to meet the courses maintenance priorities.

 

On another note have you considered taking an international trip to the UK/Scotland/Ireland? August is great weather there (sometimes, ha), and all courses are pretty much accessbile if you plan ahead of time. You could play the open rota or do a great Ireland trip. Or a Scotland trip..... or with 8 golfing day (1 day each for travel each way) you could do multiple destinations. If you are willing to fly across country then flying to the UK/Ireland/Scotland should be in the cards. Single golf there is much more fun as you will get paired with all sorts and caddies are very entertaining even if you are stuck playing alone. I had a great round at North Berwick with my caddie. TOC will always be fun to wait in line and make friends until the sun comes up. Ireland is extremely friendly for visiting golfers and the UK both London, Southport area, and Sandwich/Deal are outstanding. Main obstacle here is driving on opposite side of the road as I was VERY nervous, but as almost everyone will tell you after you do it, you get confidence after a day or so and then not a big deal. Also you have so many things to see or do everywhere but remote areas like Dornoch/Aberdeen.

 

I don't think this is outside the box, and would be a much more memorable trip then anything in the US except for Bandon IMO.

[Chanceman]

Ok, fly to San Francisco and go straight to **Sharp Park** an old Alister McKenzie track, then stay in the city while you get over your jetlag.

Drive across the GG to the Napa Valley and enjoy some wine culture. Like the Yarra Valley near Melbourne.

Play **Northwood** a lovely 9 hole course at Russian River, also by A McKenzie. (Maybe try to get on Mayacama while you are there).

Play **Sonoma GC**, very nice course surrounded by vineyards.

Then go a little east and play **Yocha Dehe** an Indian reservation with a great golf course.

Drop down to the Monterey Peninsula via **Half Moon Bay** Ocean course.

At Santa Cruz there is the gem of the golden age, **Pasatiempo**. Mckenzie again.

Then you have the options of **Pebble Beach**, **Spyglass Hill** and **Spanish Bay**. Pricey but hey why not.

Around there you also have **Pacific Grove** and **Bayonet and Blackhorse** as really good but cheaper options.

On your drive back to SFO there are some fine courses like **San Juan Oaks** and even **The Course at Wente Vineyards**.

You will find plenty of things to see and do in the area and driving around is easy. But I guess its not cheap.

[danman44]

> @Chanceman said:

> Ok, fly to San Francisco and go straight to **Sharp Park** an old Alister McKenzie track, then stay in the city while you get over your jetlag.

> Drive across the GG to the Napa Valley and enjoy some wine culture. Like the Yarra Valley near Melbourne.

> Play **Northwood** a lovely 9 hole course at Russian River, also by A McKenzie. (Maybe try to get on Mayacama while you are there).

> Play **Sonoma GC**, very nice course surrounded by vineyards.

> Then go a little east and play **Yocha Dehe** an Indian reservation with a great golf course.

> Drop down to the Monterey Peninsula via **Half Moon Bay** Ocean course.

> At Santa Cruz there is the gem of the golden age, **Pasatiempo**. Mckenzie again.

> Then you have the options of **Pebble Beach**, **Spyglass Hill** and **Spanish Bay**. Pricey but hey why not.

> Around there you also have **Pacific Grove** and **Bayonet and Blackhorse** as really good but cheaper options.

> On your drive back to SFO there are some fine courses like **San Juan Oaks** and even **The Course at Wente Vineyards**.

> You will find plenty of things to see and do in the area and driving around is easy. But I guess its not cheap.

 

i have played pasitiempo pebble spy spanish poppy before.. my buddy lives near torrey buthe said its not worth the out of town greenfee.. im thinking pinehurst or scottsdale now

[scooter714]

if you are going to do 2 places, i would do brandon and pinehurst. they are busy resorts and will definitely be able to pair you up with other players. there is not much "exploring" in the close vicinity but major cities are not far away. you could also fly into seattle and play chambers bay then work your way from seattle to brandon to san francisco. so many options. good luck with the trip.

[Seth Pistol]

i would strongly suggest against scottsdale in august. going to be well over 100 degrees every day. if golf is your top priority and want good weather, i would suggest doing a bunch of courses in Michigan. weather is great that time of year and there are 10ish top 100 public golf courses in the state. the only downfall is that its nowhere near any good cities so not a lot to see from a sightseeing perspective.

 

you could also do chicago and play cog hill, then head up to whistling straits/sand valley/erin hills. also a great combo. milwaukee isnt a bad town and of course plenty to see/do in Chicago.

 

if you want a bit more sightseeing, i would agree with the suggestion above to do portland/bend/bandon. there is 9 great courses in top top 100 public right there. plus portland is interesting, could do wine country, bend is beautiful and very outdoorsy and has an awesome beer culture, and then bandon is just golf mecca.

[CDM]

> @danman44 said:

> > @Chanceman said:

> > Ok, fly to San Francisco and go straight to **Sharp Park** an old Alister McKenzie track, then stay in the city while you get over your jetlag.

> > Drive across the GG to the Napa Valley and enjoy some wine culture. Like the Yarra Valley near Melbourne.

> > Play **Northwood** a lovely 9 hole course at Russian River, also by A McKenzie. (Maybe try to get on Mayacama while you are there).

> > Play **Sonoma GC**, very nice course surrounded by vineyards.

> > Then go a little east and play **Yocha Dehe** an Indian reservation with a great golf course.

> > Drop down to the Monterey Peninsula via **Half Moon Bay** Ocean course.

> > At Santa Cruz there is the gem of the golden age, **Pasatiempo**. Mckenzie again.

> > Then you have the options of **Pebble Beach**, **Spyglass Hill** and **Spanish Bay**. Pricey but hey why not.

> > Around there you also have **Pacific Grove** and **Bayonet and Blackhorse** as really good but cheaper options.

> > On your drive back to SFO there are some fine courses like **San Juan Oaks** and even **The Course at Wente Vineyards**.

> > You will find plenty of things to see and do in the area and driving around is easy. But I guess its not cheap.

>

> i have played pasitiempo pebble spy spanish poppy before.. my buddy lives near torrey buthe said its not worth the out of town greenfee.. im thinking pinehurst or scottsdale now

 

Honestly a tough choice there. I would say Pinehurst but given you stated August and 10-12 days... Vs Az..... Mhhhhhh. PH is hot and HUMID...Scottsdale is just flat HOT. Dont fall into the "But it is as dry heat" LOL

 

IMHO PH is a very small town and has that feel, mainly becuase it is. Been there multple times in the last few years and love the courses and area but after 5 days you have seen everything and depending on what you are looking to do after golf you will probably end up at the same places. Keep in mind PH / SP area combined is only about 30,000 people roughly.

 

Scotts of course is other end of the spectrum, really good golf and a ton of great food / after hours aspects but comes with a TON of large City issues like heavy traffic and people. I lived in Scottsdale for a few years and can not say I miss it but there are some things I really liked about it.

 

Either way both are great for golf which is the primary side.

 

_EDIT: PH has better courses by far IMHO._

[Quasimoto]

August??

 

Consider Canadian Rockies - Banff Springs, Canmore Stewart Creek, Kanaskis, everything about 1 hour from Calgary. Fly in to Calgary and rent a sports car. You will need it to really enjoy mountain driving.

Drive through the rockies and

Then hit up Kamloops - Tobiano & Talking Rock.

Finish in Vancouver/Whistler.

 

You will never forget this trip.

[danman44]

id love to do banff but its a bit spendy for a single dude trip.