Arg's Travel Log

[Argonne69]

After many years of dreaming, several years of planning, and a year and a half delay due to the pandemic, I'm finally ready to start my ultimate golf journey. After 32 years in IT, I had my fill of office dwelling. I sold my condo in downtown Chicago and and purchased a 35' class A motorhome. After a brief stop in Chicago to pick up a subset of my stuff, I'll be hitting the road for who knows how long. If it turns out the full time RV lifestyle is not for me, I may simply sell the thing in the spring after a winter traveling through the southeast. In addition to visiting the local tourist traps and state and national parks, I should be able to get in 100+ rounds of golf before returning to Chicago for some personal business in April. 

 

However, if all goes according to plan, I'd like to spend 4 or 5 years traveling the U.S. and Canada. I've played close to 700 courses, but there's oh so many more. Cabot Links. Gamble Sands. Bethpage. I've played over half of the best public courses in the country, but I have a few more to check off my list. Along the way I'll also consume my fair share of craft beer. Lol. 

 

The first part of my trip will take me to Indy, Cincinnati, Nashville, Chattanooga, Ashville, Raleigh, Pinehurst, Columbia, Charleston, Savanah, Sea Island, Jacksonville, Orlando, Ft Myers, Tampa, Pensacola, Mobile, and Shreveport. 

 

I figured I would create a thread in the main travel forum, as my travels will hopefully take me across the various regions. I'll post course reviews, photos, and general musings as I wander like the High Plains Drifter. 

 

As I head back to Chicago with the new RV, I played my first round today in Eastern Arkansas. 'Beautiful fall day on a wonderful course to kick off the trip. I'll post a review shortly. 

 

Onward and upward. 

 

 

 

Edited November 2, 2021 by Argonne69

[CCTxGolf]

Awesome! Will be following closely. You are one of my favorite posters on this forum. Congrats and good luck!

[Argonne69]

My first official round on the venture was played at The Ridges at Village Creek in Wynne, AR. It's located in the Village Creek State Park an hour west of Memphis. It's ranked 2nd on Golfweek's Best in State (Arkansas), and I think it earns its spot. It a rolling parkland layout with numerous elevated tees. It has three nines (East, North, West). I played the North and West nines. Being in a state park, there were no homes that I could see, and the majority of the holes are isolated from each other. Great way to enjoy nature.

 

Very good mix of short and long par 4s and 5s. A couple of the 4s played very long, as did a pair of the 5s. Very few wedges in my hands today. The 3s were medium to long. Fairways on the North were a bit more generous than the West. While I did find a couple of fairway bunkers, there could be more. Very little room for error off the tee, as the trees pinch in quite a bit. There is little rough. There are also numerous ravines, although many don't really come into play for a better player. There were a couple of ponds, but generally speaking the dense trees provide the biggest challenge. Greens were deceptively undulating. I was stratching my head on a number of putts. Greenside bunkering was good. Routing is a bit odd, with a number of lengthy hikes. Speaking of hikes, I walked the course, and it was quite a workout. I walked harder courses, but this was certainly up there. 

 

Conditions were very good. The turf was just starting to go dormant. Good lies in the fairways, and what little rough there was was cut to a good length. Bunkers had plenty of sand. Greens had a few rough patches where sections had been recently replaced, but they didn't really affect play. Green speeds were very nice. I'd say 11 at least. Pace was excellent. I played as a single, and didn't have anyone in front of me until I made the turn. The threesome on the West #1 let me play through after one hole, and it was once again clear sailing. Can't ask for better. 

 

Decent round considering that I've only played three rounds in three weeks while I dealt with the sale of my condo and the trip to pick up the RV. One birdie and six bogies. Never really got a feel for the breaks on the greens. Drove the ball well, but I caught a few irons fat on the Bermuda, and came up short of the greens. 

 

Overall I'd say the course is a must play. If you like elevation changes and parkland courses, this fits the bill. 

 

Edited November 2, 2021 by Argonne69

[Argonne69]

North 9

 

 

 

 

[Argonne69]

West 9 

 

 

 

 

 

Full photo set: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/n7unhuf5lxqvft0/AACEe4qB0S75FnOWqEfymsVIa?dl=0

 

[KBong]

Have fun, Arg.

You must have paid a premium for the RV because of the pandemic....there is low inventory....RV sales went through the roof starting back in early June 2020.

 

Hmmmm...I wonder if you're ADDICTED to golf.🤣

[DArnie]

Living the dream!! Good luck with your life's journey. Wow just wow!

[Argonne69]

8 hours ago, KBong said:

Have fun, Arg.

You must have paid a premium for the RV because of the pandemic....there is low inventory....RV sales went through the roof starting back in early June 2020.

 

Hmmmm...I wonder if you're ADDICTED to golf.🤣

 

Actually, I got a good price on the RV. I was originally going to buy a large used diesel pusher, but prices have gone through the roof. I started browsing 3 years ago, and prices are up over 50%. I started looking at the used market for a smaller gas class A, but the used prices for 2 to 3 year old models were only 10 to 20 percent cheaper than this new one. I was a bit hesitant to buy new, as almost all new RVs will have issues, but I really couldn't pass up the price. I added an extended warranty for a few extra dollars, and hopefully I won't have to use it.

 

Now, the 7.5 miles per gallon? Ugh.

 

I certainly hope I'm addicted to golf. Lol. I'd get bored pretty quickly driving around and sitting in the RV watching Netflix all day.

 

[Roody]

Oh man, traveling around the country to play golf sounds like a fantastic idea. One I wish I could do myself. Maybe when I retire, which is anywhere's from 15-20 years away. 

 

Looking forward to following your journey!

[jvincent]

@Argonne69 Good stuff.

 

In addition to the golf course reviews I'd be curious to see the miles logged for your journey.

[david.c.w]

Sounds like a blast.  What is your travel companion situation?  A 35 ft class A motorhome sounds big for 1 or even 2 people.  I took the family on the Utah national park loop in summer 2020, and while a 32 footer was small for the 4 of us, but would have been big for the 2 of us.  Did you consider a pickup truck towing a 5th wheel or trailer hitch smaller RV?

 

Hope the road life is good for you.  Ultimately my family was done RV'ing after 8 days.  But we stayed in some really great RV parks and met some great RV people who LOVE the RV life.

 

Make sure you update frequently on where you are so you get great invites to great courses.

[MountainKing]

This is awesome.  As a fellow IT guy I'm glad to know early age retirement is possible.  My girl and I have talked about RV life down the road.  Anyway, enjoy dude.  If you're back in Chicago I'd love to play a round with you at some point, you're one of the best posters on this forum and I look forward to reading about your adventures. 

[Chanceman]

As Crocodile Dundee once said - Now That is a Golf Trip !!  

[golfortennis]

Have you ensured the trip itinerary coincides with the LPGA schedule?  

 

Pretty cool you can do that.  

[Argonne69]

10 hours ago, david.c.w said:

Sounds like a blast.  What is your travel companion situation?  A 35 ft class A motorhome sounds big for 1 or even 2 people.  I took the family on the Utah national park loop in summer 2020, and while a 32 footer was small for the 4 of us, but would have been big for the 2 of us.  Did you consider a pickup truck towing a 5th wheel or trailer hitch smaller RV?

 

Hope the road life is good for you.  Ultimately my family was done RV'ing after 8 days.  But we stayed in some really great RV parks and met some great RV people who LOVE the RV life.

 

Make sure you update frequently on where you are so you get great invites to great courses.

 

I'm traveling solo. The RV is a good size. Of course, my original plan was to have a 42' diesel pusher, so it feels a bit cramped. Lol. The most important feature is the combo washer and dryer. Spending my free time babysitting laundry in a laundromat isn't my idea of fun. It has a 50" TV, and a pair of home theater seats. You can checkout the specs here: https://forestriverinc.com/rvs/class-a-motorhomes/fr3/33DS/4261

 

I did consider a 5th wheel, but it doesn't quite work out for a traveling golfer. My plan is to park at an RV park for 2 to 10 days, and then use my Honda to drive around to the local courses and sites. I have my clubs in the hatch. That doesn't work well with a large pickup truck. Mileage is so-so, and I don't like the idea of leaving my clubs in the rear seat of an extended cab. If I was planning to sit at a remote lake fishing or hiking for a few days I think a 5th wheel would be ideal. The layouts are certainly better than a class A. I looked at a few travel trailers, but none appear to offer washer/dryers. Suitable for a week or two, but not for months/years at a time. Also, the construction is generally flimsy.

 

Yeah, I hope the road life is good. I made it back to Chicagoland in one piece. I drove 6 hours from southeast Missouri on I-57. First time driving in 15+ mph crosswinds. That was a treat. Lol. The rig drives like a cow in the wind. In three days of driving I passed one vehicle. I'm usually the driver passing everyone. It's such a different experience parked in the right lane driving 65 mph with every semi zooming past. Patience is key. 

 

Yes, I'll be updating frequently. 

 

[Argonne69]

3 hours ago, golfortennis said:

Have you ensured the trip itinerary coincides with the LPGA schedule?  

 

Pretty cool you can do that.  

 

I don't think I'm going to have much luck at first. I won't be in Florida until late December or early January, so I'll miss the final two events this year. I'm thinking about heading towards West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland next April/May before turning north into New England. There's a chance I could catch the Pure Silk at Kingsmill. The ShopRite in Jersey is in October, and I'll likely be near Montana at that point. I think I'll have better luck in a couple of years when I spend the majority of my time in the west.

 

[cbbaron]

LMK if you play in Boston area especially south like Plymouth area

[aloha b.]

I really enjoy Arg's pictures and his reviews. Have a great time and safe trip!

[Mullenboy]

12 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

I'm traveling solo

Huge apologies but that gave me a chuckle.... because more obvious words could never have been written.  Or at least, you were going to need to explain the super-human wife or girlfriend who would go along on this.  🙂

 

Just giving you a hard time!  This whole thing sounds AWESOME to me.  I am sincerely envious.  Please do keep up the posts it is going to be very fun to follow!  And if you will be near Nebraska in the summer time, let me know.  My screen name here should be a clue as to what access I may be able to offer.

 

Enjoy!!!!

[Argonne69]

Oh the joys of new vehicle/RV ownership. A few minor issues came up on the way back to Chicagoland, and I'm waiting for a callback from the manufacturer to see where I can take "Bessie" for service. I'd like to get everything squared away before heading south. 

 

I nicknamed the RV "Bessie" because it drives like a cow. "Moby Dick" or "Orca" would have been cool, but sleak and powerful it ain't. Lol. 

 

 

Edited November 3, 2021 by Argonne69

[Bonneville85308]

I have a hard enough time on the rare occasions I have to drive a crew cab pickup in the city or in a crowded parking lot, I can't imagine driving an RV that size with a car towed behind cross-country...feel like I'd hit something in the first 10 minutes.

Edited November 3, 2021 by Bonneville85308

[spud3]

Sounds awesome, Arg!  Enjoy the journey!

[Argonne69]

3 hours ago, Bonneville85308 said:

I have a hard enough time on the rare occasions I have to drive a crew cab pickup in the city or in a crowded parking lot, I can't imagine driving an RV that size with a car towed behind cross-country...feel like I'd hit something in the first 10 minutes.

 

Had quite the experience on the trip north at a Love's gas station. Because it's a gas TV, I had to pull into the 'Auto' section. The place was busy with cars pulling in and out, and I managed to see a slot open. I maneuvered the cow next to the forward pump, while my calf hung out behind. I looked down to see yellow "Out of Order" tape on the pump. Sigh. The pump behind me next to the calf didn't have yellow tape, so I circled around again and stopped at the first pump. I got out to pump gas, but discovered that the 2nd pump was also broken. 'Guess the station never heard of orange cones. So, it was back in the RV for another loop around the pumps to find an open spot. Lol. 'Got really good at driving in circles while checking my mirrors.

 

I should note that I have a CDL, so I do have some experience driving a semi. The truck driving school I attended was located close to downtown Chicago, so I got a few hours driving sleeper cabs with 48' trailers around the tight streets. That was a joy. This coach actually handles pretty good, and the towed vehicle tracks behind closely, so turns aren't quite as terrifying as they could be. The key is always patience and planning. Since it can't be backed up with a towed (toad) vehicle, one can't get into a spot where there no forward out. When in doubt, don't go there. 

 

Edited November 3, 2021 by Argonne69

[Argonne69]

I rented a U-haul trailer yesterday and retrieved my junk, errr, belongings from my storage locker in Chicago. Now I have to figure out if it'll fit in the RV. Downsizing is not easy for a pack rat. Do I need a broom, Swifter, and cordless vacuum? Probably not. Bessie has a good amount of storage below deck, so I have to decide what needs to be in the coach, and what can be stored below.

 

I'm on track for a Sunday morning departure. It'll be a short drive to Indianapolis for a two day stay. I'm going to try to play Hickory Stick, Buffer Park, or Plum Creek on Monday. I've played most of the top courses in town (e.g. Brickyard, Purgatory, Trophy Club, The Fort, Bear Slide, Prairie View), so I'll be looking to pick up another new course. On Tuesday I have to stop at a service center to have them take a look at my cab heater. It's not directing enough hot air to the driver's side of the cab. Hopefully it's a loose vacuum line or cable. After that it'll be on to Cincinnati for a few days.

 

Edited November 5, 2021 by Argonne69

[klebs01]

Good luck packing. It amazing how little you need. A couple years ago I downsized from a 3 bedroom house to 90 liters on a motorcycle. Lived off the bike for 8 months. Could have for it indefinitely and will go back to it. It really is freeing to not have much, but the ability to go wherever whenever you want. 

[mci711]

3 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

I rented a U-haul trailer yesterday and retrieved my junk, errr, belongings from my storage locker in Chicago. Now I have to figure out if it'll fit in the RV. Downsizing is not easy for a pack rat. Do I need a broom, Swifter, and cordless vacuum? Probably not. Bessie has a good amount of storage below deck, so I have to decide what needs to be in the coach, and what can be stored below.

 

I'm on track for a Sunday morning departure. It'll be a short drive to Indianapolis for a two day stay. I'm going to try to play Hickory Stick, Buffer Park, or Plum Creek on Monday. I've played most of the top courses in town (e.g. Brickyard, Purgatory, Trophy Club, The Fort, Bear Slide, Prairie View), so I'll be looking to pick up another new course. On Tuesday I have to stop at a service center to have them take a look at my cab heater. It's not directing enough hot air to the driver's side of the cab. Hopefully it's a loose vacuum line or cable. After that it'll be on to Cincinnati for a few days.

 

 

Plum Creek isn't bad. Kind of a Ruffled Feathers level course I'd compare it to. Nothing special, but better than your average value course. 

[hammergolf]

On 11/1/2021 at 7:38 PM, Argonne69 said:

After many years of dreaming, several years of planning, and a year and a half delay due to the pandemic, I'm finally ready to start my ultimate golf journey. After 32 years in IT, I had my fill of office dwelling. I sold my condo in downtown Chicago and and purchased a 35' class A motorhome. After a brief stop in Chicago to pick up a subset of my stuff, I'll be hitting the road for who knows how long. If it turns out the full time RV lifestyle is not for me, I may simply sell the thing in the spring after a winter traveling through the southeast. In addition to visiting the local tourist traps and state and national parks, I should be able to get in 100+ rounds of golf before returning to Chicago for some personal business in April. 

 

However, if all goes according to plan, I'd like to spend 4 or 5 years traveling the U.S. and Canada. I've played close to 700 courses, but there's oh so many more. Cabot Links. Gamble Sands. Bethpage. I've played over half of the best public courses in the country, but I have a few more to check off my list. Along the way I'll also consume my fair share of craft beer. Lol. 

 

The first part of my trip will take me to Indy, Cincinnati, Nashville, Chattanooga, Ashville, Raleigh, Pinehurst, Columbia, Charleston, Savanah, Sea Island, Jacksonville, Orlando, Ft Myers, Tampa, Pensacola, Mobile, and Shreveport. 

 

I figured I would create a thread in the main travel forum, as my travels will hopefully take me across the various regions. I'll post course reviews, photos, and general musings as I wander like the High Plains Drifter. 

 

As I head back to Chicago with the new RV, I played my first round today in Eastern Arkansas. 'Beautiful fall day on a wonderful course to kick off the trip. I'll post a review shortly. 

 

Onward and upward. 

 

 

 

Awesome! Enjoy the ride… Look forward to your posts.

[hammergolf]

On 11/2/2021 at 8:13 PM, Argonne69 said:

 

I'm traveling solo. The RV is a good size. Of course, my original plan was to have a 42' diesel pusher, so it feels a bit cramped. Lol. The most important feature is the combo washer and dryer. Spending my free time babysitting laundry in a laundromat isn't my idea of fun. It has a 50" TV, and a pair of home theater seats. You can checkout the specs here: https://forestriverinc.com/rvs/class-a-motorhomes/fr3/33DS/4261

 

I did consider a 5th wheel, but it doesn't quite work out for a traveling golfer. My plan is to park at an RV park for 2 to 10 days, and then use my Honda to drive around to the local courses and sites. I have my clubs in the hatch. That doesn't work well with a large pickup truck. Mileage is so-so, and I don't like the idea of leaving my clubs in the rear seat of an extended cab. If I was planning to sit at a remote lake fishing or hiking for a few days I think a 5th wheel would be ideal. The layouts are certainly better than a class A. I looked at a few travel trailers, but none appear to offer washer/dryers. Suitable for a week or two, but not for months/years at a time. Also, the construction is generally flimsy.

 

Yeah, I hope the road life is good. I made it back to Chicagoland in one piece. I drove 6 hours from southeast Missouri on I-57. First time driving in 15+ mph crosswinds. That was a treat. Lol. The rig drives like a cow in the wind. In three days of driving I passed one vehicle. I'm usually the driver passing everyone. It's such a different experience parked in the right lane driving 65 mph with every semi zooming past. Patience is key. 

 

Yes, I'll be updating frequently. 

 

No putting/ green installed??? Lol

[Argonne69]

Ugh. Six hours to load the RV. I know I'm bringing too much stuff. Over time I hope I can declutter a bit.

 

Slight change of plans. I got a call from the RV manufacturer, and they want me to bring it by on Monday morning to take a look at the heater. I'll head out Sunday afternoon and camp out in their parking lot so I can be there first thing in the morning when they open. I'll head to Indy in the afternoon, and play golf on Tuesday. A one day shift is fine given that I'll have the manufacturer working on the rig.

 

[golfortennis]

31 minutes ago, Argonne69 said:

Ugh. Six hours to load the RV. I know I'm bringing too much stuff. Over time I hope I can declutter a bit.

 

Slight change of plans. I got a call from the RV manufacturer, and they want me to bring it by on Monday morning to take a look at the heater. I'll head out Sunday afternoon and camp out in their parking lot so I can be there first thing in the morning when they open. I'll head to Indy in the afternoon, and play golf on Tuesday. A one day shift is fine given that I'll have the manufacturer working on the rig.

 

 

So you *do* have a round at Camargo booked when you are in Cincy.