The Best Places To Golf Are Born In The USA
By Shane Jensen
Jul 17, 2007
Although the United States is not the birthplace of golf, it has sure taken the lead when it comes to world-class golf. Nowhere else on the planet can you find such a diverse selection of golf courses than in the United States. Golfers from all over the world flock to the shores of the United States to play the golf courses where champions have walked.
The United States of America has a long history with golf and a tradition that is matched by none. Only one of the four major championships is not played on American soil. Although there is world-class golf played around the world, the United States has some of the best golf courses anywhere.
Players need look no further than the historic courses that make up Pebble Beach. Pebble Beach Golf Links is one of the most famous golf courses in the United States. Not only is this golf course located along the scenic California coast, it has played host to numerous Major Championships. Who will ever forget when Tom Watson chipped in on the 17th hole to win the U.S. Open Championship in 1982?
It is thrilling moments like these that edge the golf courses of the United States into the minds of the golfing world. The United States is the greatest economic power in the world and this has enabled golf to become one of the favorite pastimes of the American people. The public has set a high standard and the industry has stepped to the plate and delivered.
Florida is home to more golf courses than any other state in the Union. Every street corner has some kind of golf course on it. The climate is perfect for playing golf year round in this tropical paradise. Although there are many great golf courses in Florida, not many can step to the level of the Doral Resort and Spa. Not only are there 5 golf courses on the property but there is a world-class spa. The most famous course on the property, The Blue Monster, has played host to a PGA Tour event since 1962. This is an amazing golf course that is loaded with history and is very popular among tourists who visit the Sunshine State.
One of the things that sets golf in the United States apart from the rest of the world is the condition of the golf courses. With the advancements in technology, it is no wonder that on the top golf courses in the country there is not even a blade of grass out of place. Millions of budget dollars are spent each year keeping the fairways in top condition and the greens rolling fast.
Sometimes the courses are meant to be a little more challenging in their conditions. This is true of the golf courses along Lake Michigan in Kohler, Wisconsin. Whistling Straits has two fine golf courses that bring the feel of the Scottish links to the United States. The Straits course here has played host to several major golf tournaments since it was opened in 1998. Designed by renowned architects Pete and Alice Dye this golf course has become extremely popular in recent years. Although the fairways and greens are in astounding condition, the layout is such that if you hit your ball off line you will be faced with some of the most challenging conditions in golf. From the countless bunkers that line the fairways to the tall grass that will make finding your golf ball extremely difficult, don't expect this to be a walk in the park.
Most of the top golf course architects currently working in the industry have come from the United States of America. Two of the most revered today are Jack Nicklaus and Tom Fazio. Both of these designers are in high demand because of the quality work they are delivering for their clients. A pairing of this quality can be found at the Lake Las Vegas Resort, one of the most upscale communities in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Four world-class golf courses were planned to compliment this high-end community - three of which are already built. Reflection Bay Golf Club was one of the first golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus in Nevada. This golf course meanders through the hills and valleys that surround Lake Las Vegas. There are numerous elevation changes that enhance the views on this golf course.
Tom Fazio is currently building the fourth golf course in Lake Las Vegas. Called Rainbow Canyon, this golf course is expected to open in late 2009. Joining Nicklaus and Fazio is Tom Weiskopf who has designed The Falls Golf Club. Weiskopf is a great architect who has mastered the art of using the terrain to make the golf course look more narrow than it really is.
The trend in the United States is to build facilities that have multiple golf courses and hotels right on the property. The imagination of the American people is the only limit to how far they will be able to take the golf industry. Golf is a relatively new development in American history and it will be interesting to see where it will go.
I recommend the following destinations to golf in the US:
When it comes to having the best golf vacation possible it is very difficult to beat the golf courses in these areas. From tee to green, the United States is second to none when it comes to golf.
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