Golf Trips
Where To Stay.   Where To Play.   What To Do Along The Way.
September 2024
STAY AND PLAY RESORTS IN SWEET HOME ALABAMA
Renaissance Ross Bridge Resort and Spa

 


STAY AND PLAY RESORTS IN SWEET HOME ALABAMA

Every golfer knows a straight shot is the simplest, most risk-free choice. So, it is with golf destinations. With mostly interstate travel and direct flights into both state and regional airports, Alabama fits the bill with great value golf and year ‘round golfing weather. The unrivaled, original golf trail spans the length of the state and the seaside destination of Gulf Shores-Orange Beach marks the end of the road. But it’s the golf resorts in the state that create a journey like no other.

Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is now over 30 years old and boasts 25 golf courses at 11 locations from top to bottom. In the northwest corner is a 36-hole complex aptly named , as it’s located in Muscle Shoals, the hit recording capital of the world and just across the river in Florence is the much-awarded Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa, one of four golf resorts in the RTJ Golf Trail collection of hotels and resorts. Birmingham has certainly become golf central, with the state’s most luxurious resort, Renaissance Ross Bridge Resort and Spa leading the way. The resort’s 18-hole layout is both challenging and rewarding. Located just a mile away from Ross Bridge is the RTJ Golf Trail at Oxmoor Valley. It offers two unique full-length courses, Ridge and Valley, plus an exciting, new 9-hole, walking, short course, called The Backyard.

South of Birmingham, Pursell Farms in Sylacauga is a multi-faceted stay and play spot offering golf cottages, an 8-room lodge, a spa, and a new Inn. The Inn, with its restaurant and pub, sits along the 18th fairway of their FarmLinks Golf Course.

In the Montgomery suburb of Prattville is the Trail’s only site with three full-length courses, the RTJ Golf Trail at Capitol Hill. The on-site Marriott Hotel is a convenient place to stay, but for additional nightlife and dining options, the downtown Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa would be a good choice. Fifty miles east of Montgomery near Auburn in Opelika is one of the most requested sites on the Trail. Robert Trent Jones, Sr. is on record saying that the RTJ Golf Trail at Grand National was the single greatest natural site for golf he had ever seen. The award-winning Marriott Golf Resort & Spa is located on the back nine of the Lake course and offers a true stay and play experience.

The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, an Autograph Collection on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay offers superb dining, a European spa, exciting waterscapes, a beach along Mobile Bay and 36 holes at the Lakewood Club. The courses meander around spring-fed lakes and are framed by stately magnolias, oaks, and dogwoods, which have been around for quite some time. The resort itself has upheld a grand tradition of Southern hospitality, charm and elegance since 1847.

Kiva Dunes Golf & Beach Resort in Gulf Shores is on a spit of land just 1,100 yards wide at its most slender point, meaning airflow above the golf course is influenced by the air exchange coming in from both the Gulf of Mexico and Mobile Bay. Traditionalists relish the chance to play in the wind on a links-style layout, so the appeal of Kiva’s site was always there. Kiva Dunes is considered the premier design in the portfolio of former U.S. Open champion Jerry Pate. The onsite beach resort, with linkside condominiums and beach homes, is a great option to stay and play.

To learn more about all the golf resorts in Sweet Home Alabama, visit www.GolfAlabama.org.

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Apes Hill in Barbados

 


Apes Hill in Barbados

Debuts at No. 72 on Golfweek’s 2024 - Top 100 International Courses list

Apes Hill Barbados, a luxurious golf resort and community, offers an unparalleled lifestyle that seamlessly blends world-class amenities with the island's natural beauty. The resort's 18-hole championship golf course, designed by renowned golf architect Ron Kirby, recently debuted at No. 72 on Golfweek’s 2024 “Top 100 International Courses” list. This prestigious recognition affirms Apes Hill's commitment to providing an exceptional experience for both residents and visitors.

Golf enthusiasts at Apes Hill are treated to a course that not only challenges their skills but also offers breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Perched 1,000 feet above sea level within 475 acres of natural terrain, the course is a masterpiece of design and sustainability. It was ranked fifth in Golfweek’s 2024 "Top 50 Courses You Can Play" in the Caribbean, Mexico, Costa Rica, and the Atlantic Islands. The course's ingenious layout and commitment to environmental stewardship, including an advanced irrigation system and sustainable fertilization practices, have earned it accolades such as Audubon International certification and the title of "World’s Best Eco-Friendly Golf Facility" at the 2023 World Golf Awards.

Dining at Apes Hill is a culinary journey that emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The on-site restaurants, the 20th Hole and Noisy Cricket, pride themselves on a farm-to-fork menu, utilizing produce from the resort’s own farm, which grows herbs, edible flowers, bananas, breadfruit trees, and honey. This commitment to sustainability is a core value that permeates every aspect of life at Apes Hill.

Wellness is central to the Apes Hill experience, with state-of-the-art facilities that include a soon-to-be-completed fitness center, health club, and well being treatments. Residents and guests can participate in yoga sessions, boot camps, and personalized training with certified instructors. The resort's luxurious accommodations range from three-bedroom courtyard villas to bespoke hilltop residences, all designed to harmonize with the natural environment while offering the utmost in comfort and elegance.

Apes Hill Barbados is not just a place to stay; it's a destination where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and natural beauty of the island. The resort offers a diverse array of activities like tropical hiking trails, padel tennis events, and freshwater fishing excursions. Families will appreciate the child-friendly amenities, including certified babysitting services, children's movie evenings, and sports camps.

Sustainability is woven into the fabric of Apes Hill. From the eco-friendly golf course to the farm-to-fork dining experience, every effort is made to protect and preserve the natural environment. The resort's innovative practices, such as using local seaweed, manure, and compost for fertilization and capturing rainwater in a 58-million-gallon reservoir, highlight its dedication to environmental stewardship.

At Apes Hill Barbados, luxury is redefined through its commitment to sustainability, wellness, and exceptional service. Whether you're seeking a serene getaway or a vibrant community to call home, Apes Hill offers an experience that is as enriching as it is exclusive. As Executive Chairman Sunil Chatrani states, "We aspire to provide the finest amenities, rental villas, and private homes to our members and guests." The recognition of Apes Hill as one of the world’s top golf destinations is a testament to its success in achieving this mission.

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Gull Lake View

 


Gull Lake View

Southwest Michigan

Nestled in Southwest Michigan, close to Kalamazoo, Gull Lake View has been an integral part of Midwest golf culture for over sixty years. Now in its fourth generation, the Scott Family has meticulously expanded Gull Lake View into one of the nation's premier family-owned golf resorts, boasting six distinct courses. Among these are Gull Lake East and West, Stonehedge North and South, Bedford Valley, and the newest addition, Stoatin Brae. This collaboration with Renaissance Golf Design marked a departure from their traditional growth strategy.

Gull Lake View caters to golfers of all levels, offering a delightful blend of playfulness and challenge. With its diverse range of courses, including the acclaimed Stoatin Brae, as well as cozy accommodations and charming dining options, the resort stands as one of America's top affordable golf destinations. Here, golfing buddies can relish in camaraderie and quality experiences without the hefty price tag associated with far-flung, high-end oceanfront resorts.

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Why Your Next Golf Trip Should Be To Lawsonia

 


Why Your Next Golf Trip Should Be To Lawsonia

Green Lake, Wisconsin

Brian Weis interviews Adam Swenson about Lawsonia Golf Courses in Green Lake, Wisconsin, highlighting its beautiful scenery, top-ranked courses, and lodging options for golfers.

Highlights
* Stunning Location: Lawsonia offers breathtaking views and is near the deepest lake in Wisconsin.

* Top-Ranked Golf: The Lynx course is recognized among the top 100 courses in the country.

* Two Unique Courses: The Lynx course features a true links style, while the Woodlands course offers a tree-lined experience.

* Convenient Lodging: Three houses on-site accommodate up to 12 guests, making it ideal for groups.

* On-Site Dining: Langford’s Pub serves delicious food, including one of the best fish fries in Wisconsin.

* Central Access: Lawsonia is centrally located, making it a hub for golfing destinations in Wisconsin.

* Recent Renovations: Significant improvements to bunkers on both courses enhance the playing experience.

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