Golf Digest Ambush
Buddies-Trip Blueprints
From the Ambush inbox, here are three buddies-trip traditions
1. ATLANTIC CITY (March)
Seventh Atlantic City Classic
GROUP SIZE: 16-20
WHERE THEY'RE FROM: Vermont
MARCH MADNESS: Vermont to Atlantic City is a 6½-hour drive. The group takes cars and rents a van for the golf clubs and 30 cases of beer. "We play golf and gamble on college basketball," says Bruno (Zig Zag) LaCroix.
LODGING: Tropicana Casino & Resort.
TIPS ON RESTAURANTS: Diamond Jim's, P.F. Chang's, Carmine's and A Dam Good Sports Bar at the Tropicana. "It's good food, and they serve 40-ounce beers for $5," LaCroix says.
COURSES:"We've benefited from private courses opening up to the public," he says. "This year was the first time we played Atlantic City Country Club." LaCroix also recommends Ballamor and Stone Harbor. "Bring at least 14 balls in your bag for Stone Harbor," he says. "There are island fairways and island greens."
FORMAT: Team Budweiser vs. Team Bud Light in four days of Ryder Cup matches.
MOST VALUABLE GOLFER: Alain Gaudreault. "Big Al is in his 70s," LaCroix says, "but he's the last one to bed and the first one up in the morning. He's our inspiration."
THE DEAL: $739.93 per player includes four nights of lodging, four rounds, cigars, rental van, liquor, mixers and one day of lunch.
