Golf season brings life to courses across the country again, and savvy golfers know that discovering new fairways can totally transform their own game. While top courses are in the spotlight, some of the best rounds are played on unassuming gems that offer first-class golf without the crowds or luxurious prices.
It’s the perfect season of the year to tee it up somewhere other than the usual suspects. With these thoughtfully manicured layouts and breathtaking views, these carefully selected courses provide unforgettable golfing experiences you will be booking again and again.
What Makes a Golf Course Worth the Trip
Good golf courses have several key traits that distinguish them from the neighborhood options. Most important among them is conditioning of the course—spotlessly manicured greens, neatly maintained fairways, and carefully placed hazards that challenge but don’t enrage golfers.
Design philosophy also enters the picture. Those courses that engage nature’s land features are more interesting than courses that force unnatural features onto inappropriate landscapes. The most enjoyable rounds are on courses where every hole has its own distinctive challenge but also consistent good quality throughout.
Amenities and service quality distinguish the excellent courses from the average course. Professional staff, well-stocked pro shops, and decent dining enhance the enjoyment. Historical significance provides another dimension of charm, connecting players to the rich history of golf.
Visiting BOYNE Golf in Michigan – An Example
BOYNE Golf is exactly the kind of off-the-beaten-path gem that serious golfers love. Located in Michigan’s breathtaking northern section, this collection of courses delivers top-notch golf in the absence of pretension inherent in more famous places.
The resort’s different courses have something for all skill levels and tastes. Each design takes advantage of Michigan’s natural setting, with rolling hills, mature trees, and well-positioned water hazards. The conditions on each course are always slightly better than you’d think, with true-rolling greens and fairways that reward players for playing accurate shots.
What sets BOYNE apart is that it is committed to the entire golfing experience. The resort provides full practice facilities, professional instruction, and all-inclusive stay-and-play golf trips for families. Golfers can focus exclusively on their golf game with no worries about logistics or substandard amenities.
Finding Hidden Gems
Outside of famous destinations, there are courses in each region that serious golfers should seek out. These hidden gems usually represent better value than brand-name courses and are equally enjoyable to play.
Regional courses are also likely to have greater tee time availability and greater scheduling flexibility. A bit of insider information from employees familiar with the nuances of the course can greatly enhance your round. Many of these courses also have unique design principles that reflect local geography and weather conditions.
The most rewarding discoveries are those establishments that have invested in recent refits or upgrades. These places integrate new amenities with pre-existing character, creating experiences that are both new and real.
Plan Your Next Golf Adventure
There are many opportunities this season to discover your next favorite course. BOYNE Golf and other courses across the country offer the perfect combination of quality, value, and memories that make golf travel worth it.
Do your homework on courses in your destinations, check updated reviews from fellow golfers, and don’t hesitate to call professional shops to get updated conditions and recommendations. Some of the best rounds are on courses you have not played before, ready to be your new favorite spot.
