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Golf And Travel: Summer Savings
"Where should we go for a golf getaway this summer?"
I get asked that a lot. Last week that was the focus of my discussion with Russ Evans and Pat Rooney Jr. of "Golf Exchange," which airs every Sunday morning (8 a.m.-10 a.m.) on both ESPN 760-AM in West Palm Beach and 790-AM "The Ticket" in Miami.
Here's an audio clip of that conversation:
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I mentioned the "Donald Ross Package" at Pinehurst, which is $395 for two rounds of golf, accommodations for a night, a dinner the day you check in and breakfast on the day you check out. If you can get together a group of eight or more, or you're looking for a buddies trip destination, Pinehurst has created the "Buddy Trip of a Lifetime" package. Here's the page on their website with more details.
They're always "giving it away" on the RTJ Trail, but especially this time of year. Last I checked it was unlimited golf for $99 per day.
As I said to Russ and Pat, golf is teetering on being reasonable right now. And I made the point that you can learn more about the deals at your favorite places by finding the "golf packages" page on almost every destination's website.
Scanning a few more of my favorite spots, I found the "Unlimited Crosswater Golf Experience" up in Central Oregon. Through the end of September, you get: lodging, a round at Crosswater per day and unlimited golf on any of the three courses at Sunriver Resort, starting at $244 per night.
Another good spot this time of year is Treetops in Michigan. You get four courses, all with a 4.5-star rating by Golf Digest, and they have one of the best par 3 courses I've ever played. Check out the "Perfect Week" package: $770 per person gets you five nights of lodging, five rounds of golf (includes cart) and you get nine holes of on-course instruction.
One bit of bad news to report: Bethpage Black raised their prices this year. New York residents are now paying $65 during the week and $75 on weekends. (Up $15 in both cases.) For non-residents, you'll pay $130 during the week and $150 on weekends. (Up $30 in both cases.)
Regardless, I still say The Black is one of the best deals in golf.
And while on the topic of good deals, I'm in Wales this week. Tomorrow I'll post a few pictures from the first two days of my trip.
--Matty G.