Destination Troon: The Places Are Many We Wish to Go

For those of us who were not able to get out on the golf course over the past several months, remedies were few and far between. Between watching reruns of the 2006 final round of the Masters on television and practice putting in the kitchen, pickings were slim. But as summer gets underway and more travel restrictions are eased, the options are blessedly many. Both near and far, here are some Troon destinations that are rolling out the red carpet for golfers.

Hitting the open highway has always been an American passion. Doing so with your golf clubs and ending up in Arizona is doubly rewarding. The Grand Canyon State is rife with excellent golf choices, including (1) TROON NORTH GOLF CLUB, (2) BOULDERS RESORT & SPA, (3) THE PHOENICIAN, (4) AK-CHIN SOUTHERN DUNES GOLF CLUB, and (5) THE WESTIN KIERLAND GOLF CLUB. Check out TroonGolfAZ.com for more information.

Ah, Florida. North, south, east, and west … every direction you turn you’ll find courses of distinction. (1) TIBURÓN GOLF CLUB in Naples tempts with 36 renowned holes; (2) World Golf Village Resort in St. Augustine offers KING & BEAR and SLAMMER & SQUIRE, plus the World Golf Hall of Fame; (3) and in Palm Coast THE CLUB AT HAMMOCK BEACH is home to two beauties, one on the Atlantic by Jack Nicklaus and one inland by Tom Watson.

Think Gulf Coast, and delicious seafood, white-sand beaches, and a kick-back ambiance come to mind. Find all that and more at (1) ONE CLUB GULF SHORES, Ala. (2) PENINSULA GOLF & RACQUET CLUB, also in Gulf Shores; (3) TIGER POINT GOLF CLUB in Gulf Breeze, Fla.; and (4) CRAFT FARMS GOLF RESORT back in Gulf Shores.

Driving is synonymous with California … that’s what Golden Staters do. So pack the sticks into the car and head to (1) SILVERADO RESORT AND SPA, and then sample some vino as long as you’re in wine country; (2) MADERAS GOLF CLUB, one of San Diego County’s best; (3)INDIAN WELLS GOLF RESORT for 36 superbly designed holes in the heart of the Coachella Valley; or (4) CLASSIC CLUB in Palm Desert, where service, delightful golf, and excellent dining are all in play.

A road trip through America’s Heartland should include tee times at (1) THE LODGE OF FOUR SEASONS in Lake Ozark, Missouri; (2) the daily fee FINKBINE GOLF COURSE in Iowa City, Iowa, which serves as the home course for the University of Iowa’s women’s and men’s golf teams; or (3) IRONHORSE GOLF CLUB in Leawood, Kansas.

Hawaii will put some aloha in your life, especially if you tee it up at any of these places: (1) TURTLE BAY RESORT on Oahu’s surf-famed North Shore; (2) Maui’s KAPALUA, where the PGA Tour tees it up every January; (3) Kauai’s exquisite PRINCEVILLE MAKAI GOLF CLUB, where the sunsets are unrivaled; or (4) MAUNA LANI on Hawaii Island’s renowned Kohala Coast. A hui hou!

When flying seems a good idea again, the UK beckons. Start in Fife, Scotland, where (1) DUMBARNIE LINKS is a brand new layout generating Top 100 buzz; and London is always calling, with (2) THE GROVE in Hertfordshire being the place to stay and play in the lap of luxury.

A trip “Down Under” produces exceptional experiences that you’ll remember for a lifetime, whether diving the Great Barrier Reef or teeing it up. Among the best golf choices: (1) PACIFIC HARBOUR GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB in Queensland; (2) THE GRANGE GOLF CLUB in New South Wales; (3) BROOKWATER GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB in Queensland; and (4) MOLLYMOOK GOLF CLUB in New South Wales

Memorable experiences on and off the golf course await in the United Arab Emirates. (1) SAADIYAT BEACH GOLF CLUB in Abu Dhabi is a true standout; as is (2) ABU DHABI GOLF CLUB, longtime host of championship golf; (3) YAS LINKS provides stellar views and a solid round; while (4) ADDRESS MONTGOMERIE in Dubai is as enticing as the nearby enchanted city.

The Pacific Northwest makes an ideal summer destination, with dreamy days and ideal conditions. (1) PRONGHORN in Bend, Oregon, just debuted a new lodge to accompany its two high-desert gems; while at (2) GAMBLE SANDS in eastern Washington, David McLay Kidd crafted a golf experience extraordinaire and is at work on a short course; and (3) TETHEROW, back in Bend, boasts another Kidd masterwork. All are worth the trip by themselves.