It’s no secret that winter is the perfect time for golfers in the Northeast to head to warmer climates and experience some of the fantastic golf destinations throughout the country. Last week, we asked you to share your stories and photos from your offseason golf travels, and you did not disappoint.
The following is a selection of your entries that will surely make most golfers pining for spring weather sooner rather than later.
If you would like to share your travel experiences, please email Steve Derderian, Mass Golf’s Manager of Communications, at sderderian@massgolf.org .
I just got back from a trip to Arizona where I was able to golf a handful of times. We played Troon North (left photo) and McDowell Mountain. On a whim, my brother-in-law and I drove by the TPC Scottsdale (Stadium Course) as they were setting up for the Waste Management Open. We decided to look for a tee time and grabbed the only tee time available which happened to be a twosome. It was also the last day the course was open to the public before shutting it down for the tournament (at least that’s what we were told). [It was] an incredible experience with unbelievable course conditions.
— Robert Allen
I traveled to Palm Springs to play in a tournament run by Fun Golf Vacations (Net and Gross Divisions). I played in the Net Division at the following courses: La Quinta Resort & Club (Dunes and Mountain), Classic Club Golf Course, and PGA West (Stadium Couse). — John Fernandez
We are members at Vesper Country Club spending a few weeks in the desert. The first picture is from our patio overlooking snow-capped Santa Rosa Mts. and the 15th green at Shadow Ridge golf club in Palm Desert. The second image is my wife Amy teeing off on Hole No. 17 on the Stadium Course at PGA West in La Quinta. This is where the PGA Tour plays the American Express Open (this week). — Gary McGrath
Visited the Innisbrook Resort located near Tampa, Florida. The resort boasts four outstanding courses — the crown jewel being the Copperhead course where the PGA Tour stops annually for the Valspar Championship. The last three holes of the Copperhead course are dubbed the ‘snake pit,’ said to be three of the toughest finishing holes on Tour. Lucky for me, I played these three holes in 1-under par.” — Randy Steinberg
Just got back from Jekyll Island where we played two great tracks: Indian Mound and Oleander. I would recommend these courses to anyone. Pictured is my wife Lisa and good friend Ryan. — Mark McShane
We had a beautiful morning playing at the stunning Ka’anapali Golf Course on the island of Maui. It is the best way to chase away the Massachusetts January blues. Their signature 5th hole has you driving with a gorgeous view of the Pacific Ocean. You can follow our travel and golf escapades on Instagram @travel_with_sandi. — Sandy Barrett
My son Connor and I played at True Blue Pawleys Island. This is the third year in a row we have been in that area to get away from the winter in New England. My son pounds his drives 280-yards, but I am the short-game winner. It’s brains over youth. We’re heading back in March for another 14-day trip. We cannot wait to get there. — Steve Riley
In the summer I play a truly great municipal course, George Wright, and participate in the Donald Ross League. In the winter my wife and I have built a lovely home on the island of Vieques (off Puerto Rico’s east coast), and we have a group here who play regularly at El Conquistador.
When I visit my sister in England, I play The Royal Liverpool Golf Club, where she and her husband are members. This is what you call a golfers dream! — Mark deShong
