It’s almost that time of year again. Between April 7th and 10th, the golfing world’s eyes will be focused on Georgia for the 80th Masters Tournament at Augusta. With this in mind, we’ve put together some ideas for an American golf holiday. Think of golf holidays in the USA and the chances are you’ll think of Augusta, Cypress Point, Pine Valley, or one of Florida’s numerous offerings. There are however some great alternatives to seriously consider if you’re planning an American golf break.
If you’d rather stay in Europe, why not consider a golfing holiday in Cyprus?
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Golf Courses in New England
Head to New England in the fall and you’ll find a wealth of outdoor activities to keep you entertained including golf.
Stowe Mountain Club Golf Course
Vermont is particularly well catered for in regards to this with Stowe home to one of the top 10 new courses in the USA – Stowe Mountain Club Golf Course. Designed by Bob Cupp, the Stowe Mountain golf course opened in 2007 and offers 18 holes with a par of 72 off the longest tees and a slope of 141.
With stunning views of Mt. Mansfield, Vermont’s highest point, Stowe Mountain Club’s course offers challenges to match. It’s not a course for beginners and the mountain stream and greenside bunker on the popular 252-yard par-3 4th hole will punish the slightest indiscretion or pushed shot.
Belgrade Lakes Golf Club
Maine is also home to a selection of excellent courses. Belgrade Lakes Golf Club is a popular and friendly course located west of Waterville. Despite its name, the main hazards encountered here are the rocks and boulders which line the fairways. The panoramas are wonderful and the course challenging without being stupidly difficult. A must play course in New England!
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Golf Holidays in the Old West
Golf certainly isn’t the first sport that springs to mind when thinking of Montana. The Treasure State however is home to some wonderful courses which really do add even more reasons for visiting one of the least densely populated states in the USA.
The Old Works Golf Club
The Old Works Golf Club outside Anaconda is one of the top 100 courses in America and was designed by Jack Nicklaus. His design has utilised the old flue structures and slag heaps which combine to make the course a truly unique place. Nicklaus has even used slag instead of sand in the bunkers which give them a sinister black appearance.
The 195-yard par-3 4th is perhaps the signature hole and features an impressive backdrop to the tricky green. Be careful on the 7th hole, Heap, a 238-yard par-3 which is almost entirely surround by sand!
Promontory Club
Drive down to Utah and you’ll find the Promontory Club outside Park City hard to beat. With 2 courses already, Jack Nicklaus’ Painted Valley and Pete Dye’s Canyon, the Promontory is planning more and rumour has it Tom Weiskopf will be designing one. The most difficult course in the state, the Promontory’s mountain location ensures rocky canyons, thin air, and great views. Dye’s Canyon Course is perhaps the trickier of the two and opens with a 718-yard par-5 so make sure your tee shot is good!
Golf Courses in California
Pebble Beach
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Not just one of the most famous courses in America, Pebble Beach is also one of the best. The high green fees put many players off, but its location on the Monterey peninsula does make up for the expense. The rugged coastline affords stunning views and has seen Pebble Beach named one of the most beautiful courses in the world.
It’s not the hardest course in the world so it does provide a more enjoyable day if you’re struggling with form. The 7th to 10th holes blend brilliantly and as long as you keep an eye on the wind and start the 7th well you’re set up for a great run to the bunker framed green on the 10th.
Pasatiempo Golf Club
Designed by the legendary Alister MacKenzie, Pasatiempo Golf Club lies just north of Santa Cruz and occupies an enviable position on lush, rolling hills dotted with pine trees. The front 9 lull you into a false sense of security before the back 9’s deep ravines hit back with a vengeance.
Pasatiempo is possibly the best course in the world you’ve never heard of and is always in great condition. MacKenzie considered the 16th hole his favourite hole in the world and it certainly offers a great golfing experience. The 387-yard par-4 hole is built into the hill on 3 tiers and is spectacular. The tee shot is blind so you’ll be suitably impressed when you finally see the green. A great hole!
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