Above par destinations
Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, AlabamaAn attempt to diversify the assets of the state’s pension fund the late 1980s led Dr. David Bonner, then the SEC of the Retirement Systems of Alabama, to build the massive RTJ golf experience. With 26 courses — 468 total holes — on 11 trail sites that range from the top end of the state to the Gulf of Mexico, there’s never a shortage of Robert Trent Jones options.For more, visit rtjgolf.com.Hilton Head, S.C.Hilton Head Island has been synonymous with golf since the first course was opened 55 years ago, and recently was listed No. 10 among the world’s best golf resorts by Golf Digest. World-class quality golf courses, both public and private, designed by legendary names like Nicklaus, Dye and Jones give Hilton Head an appealing choice for players of all interest and ability levels.For more, visit hiltonheadisland.org.ScotlandScotland — the birthplace of the game — has a golfing legacy that spans six centuries. From links courses and parkland courses to heathland courses and everything else in between, Scotland is packed with over 550 fantastic courses to play, including the world-renowned Old Course at St. Andrews where the Open Championship is routinely held and some of the game’s greatest memories live forever.For more, visit visitscotland.com.
There are regional, national and global golf trips that appeal to all aspects of those who love the grand old game.
There’s the historic and mystic attractions of Scotland. There’s the smorgasbord of golfing options and opportunities in coastal trips to Hilton Head or Myrtle Beach. There’s even the drivable Alabama array of courses under the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail flag.
Chattanooga may not be recognized as a golfing tourist stop to the masses, but the concentration of highly respected and renowned courses within 20 minutes of downtown have caught the attention of a growing number of traveling players, whose skill set can range from weekend whacker to highly decorated amateur.
“The golf industry is starting a bit of a revival after many challenging years, and the avid golfer will seek out the great courses designed by the great architects,” says Lookout Mountain Golf Club general manager Billy Buchanan. “The Chattanooga golfing community has been known for wonderful amateur golfers, and for a city its size, the finest courses in the Southeast.”