An Irishmans trip to the USA

Hi Folks!

First things first, I'm looking at booking an epic trip state-side late next year (August-October) with my brother for a few rounds of golf.

As a bit of a background, I'm Irish, and will be flying out of Dublin (there will be no trouble getting flights from London Heathrow either).

From investigations though, I've found it's very very difficult to get to play in the top courses because they're all Private Country Clubs, and most travel agents base their plans on "one great course (e.g. Pebble Beach/Sawgrass)" and a host of less popular ones. i.e. you end up playing one fantastic course and some not so great ones (and ones that you may be taking a chance on the quality).

We're really looking for maybe one top top top course (think US open Historic - e.g. Pinehurst) and a few better tour stops. Think Florida Swing with maybe Sawgrass (Or Augusta?!) built in or along those lines.

Has anyone done anything like this before?

Anyone know of travel operators (American or European) who will get you access to some of these courses? I would have no trouble arranging my own flights to America either.

Any advice on getting access to some Private Country Clubs where I obviously don't know a member?

Thanks in advance!

I wouldn't go through a travel agency. I would plan on doing:

Pinehurst #2
Dormie Club in Pinehurst
Kiawah Island in Charleston
Harbor Town in Hilton Head

That would give you 2 major sites, 1 regular PGA Tour stop and 1 of the best new courses in the US. Keeps you on the east coast from a time zone/flying perspective. You can later add in a lot of other great courses around those areas if you need to.

You'd probably be better off avoiding most tour stops, especially TPCs. Those tend to be very long and uninteresting.

Bethpage Black. You can stay in New York City and enjoy all the city has to offer. Rent a car or take a train to Bethpage. The facility has five courses, the Black has hosted two U.S. Open's, the Red course is great too. (I've only played those two.) You have to arrive early to get a "walk up" tee time, and expect to commit a whole day, buts it's totally worth it. The Black is fantastic. I've been lucky to play a few Open courses, the Black is second to none.

Pinehurst is a great spot.

Sawgrass is overrated, and Florida is insanely hot and humid in the summer.

I've played in both Ireland and tge UK. You cannot get on private courses in the US the same way you can over there.

check out Whistling Straits in Wisconsin. The resort is awesome and has some very memorable golfing.

[url="http://www.americanclubresort.com/golf/whistling-straits/the-straits"]http://www.americanclubresort.com/golf/whistling-straits/the-straits[/url]

[quote name='Tee2Green85' timestamp='1420488478' post='10690355']
check out Whistling Straits in Wisconsin. The resort is awesome and has some very memorable golfing.

[url="http://www.americanclubresort.com/golf/whistling-straits/the-straits"]http://www.americanclubresort.com/golf/whistling-straits/the-straits[/url]
[/quote]

I agree Whistling Straights is great, but coming from Ireland, he's probably an authority on the worlds greatest links courses. I would recommend the River Course.

[quote name='Chilidog' timestamp='1420480964' post='10689585']
I wouldn't go through a travel agency. I would plan on doing:

Pinehurst #2
Dormie Club in Pinehurst
Kiawah Island in Charleston
Harbor Town in Hilton Head

That would give you 2 major sites, 1 regular PGA Tour stop and 1 of the best new courses in the US. Keeps you on the east coast from a time zone/flying perspective. You can later add in a lot of other great courses around those areas if you need to.
[/quote]

This would be an awesome trip

[quote name='Chilidog' timestamp='1420480964' post='10689585']
I wouldn't go through a travel agency. I would plan on doing:

Pinehurst #2
Dormie Club in Pinehurst
Kiawah Island in Charleston
Harbor Town in Hilton Head

That would give you 2 major sites, 1 regular PGA Tour stop and 1 of the best new courses in the US. Keeps you on the east coast from a time zone/flying perspective. You can later add in a lot of other great courses around those areas if you need to.
[/quote]

In October, not in August!

[quote name='Chilidog' timestamp='1420480964' post='10689585']
I wouldn't go through a travel agency. I would plan on doing:

Pinehurst #2
Dormie Club in Pinehurst
Kiawah Island in Charleston
Harbor Town in Hilton Head

That would give you 2 major sites, 1 regular PGA Tour stop and 1 of the best new courses in the US. Keeps you on the east coast from a time zone/flying perspective. You can later add in a lot of other great courses around those areas if you need to.
[/quote]

This is the best answer you will get.

If you want to add in Sea island and Tpc sawgrass you can easily do so which will give you 2 additional PGA venues. The Florida swing is boring so don't go south of Sawgrass unless you are going to Streamsong.

Pinehurst also has a lot of other great courses including 4, 8, mid pines, pine needles, and Tobacco Road.

Don't spend too much time trying to figure out how to get on top private courses, because it's incredibly unlikely for a foreigner who doesn't know any rich and powerful Americans. Many of our top clubs are truly private as unfortunate as that is.

Thanks for that folks. I figured that about the Private Courses. It's a pity alright. Here and in the UK, it tends to be "if you have the cash, you can play".

Pinehurst was one of the top of the list alright and that will probably be the route. We're actually thinking about going up to New York on the way back so it may be a goer to stop on Bethpage as well. Direct flights from Dublin makes it easier.

Good advice re. the Florida courses!

[quote name='scarraman' timestamp='1420496586' post='10691197']
Thanks for that folks. I figured that about the Private Courses. It's a pity alright. Here and in the UK, it tends to be "if you have the cash, you can play".
Pinehurst was one of the top of the list alright and that will probably be the route. We're actually thinking about going up to New York on the way back so it may be a goer to stop on Bethpage as well. Direct flights from Dublin makes it easier

Good advice re. the Florida courses!
[/quote]

Bethpage and Pinehurst would be an amazing trip. Try to allow time to have some fun in NYC.
Let us know?

And if you decide to take in the west coast all of the Bandon Dunes courses are worth playing.

We're really looking for maybe one top top top course (think US open Historic - e.g. Pinehurst) and a few better tour stops. Think Florida Swing with maybe Sawgrass (Or Augusta?!) built in or along those lines.

I think youve been given some great info here. If you're not going to go across country and play Pebble (which is everything you've heard and more, but super expensive) Pinehurst #2 is as good as it gets. In the area you have Pine Needles, Mid Pines, Dormie Club etc. Playing Kiawah Ocean Course while in the area is a no brainer.

DO NOT bother with Sawgrass...as someone else said, the only public access course worth the trouble in Florida is Streamsong in my opinion.

And as someone else said, Beth Page Black is amazing, possibly my favorite of all.

FYI, great Guinness cannot be found in America, sorry!

Given the time table and ease of travel I would start in New York with Bethpage and start working your way south as summer turns into early fall. I fully agree with the Carolinas suggestions lots of great options in those two states. Could even swing through WV (insert hillbilly joke) and play the Greenbriar.

I love west coast golf and you have some good options from Chambers to Pebble to Torrey that are all public access and US Open venues but the travel from the east coast might not be worth it.

[quote name='OutBackHack' timestamp='1420504461' post='10691885']

FYI, great Guinness cannot be found in America, sorry!
[/quote]

I know... Guinness gets exponentially worse the further from St James' Gate Brewery in Dublin!


We're considering West Course also, but given the timetable, amount of travel required and the quantity of courses available, east coast is a more viable option. Orlando, JFK and Philly are also a direct flight from Dublin which is a huge benefit (less chance of losing clubs!) East coast may be possible in the next couple of years... I'm reasonably young yet!

I'm thinking Pinehurst #2, Kiawah and Harbour Town + 1 more (probably Dormie Club at Chilidogs suggestion) at the very minimum at the moment... Need to check schedules & $$$ for the rest!

Will keep you all updated!

Again, a serious massive thanks for the advice.

There have been a bunch of good suggestions. How many days in total do you plan to play? Do you plan to play 18 or 36 a day? Once you decide that you can determine where you might want to play on the way if you drive from New York to Pinehurst and then back to NY. There are some good options on that trip... Atlantic City Country Club, Bulle Rock, New Kent, Golden Horseshoe Gold. If you stay in the Pinehurst area for awhile, besides #2, consider Tobacco Road, Dormie Club, Pine Needles and Mid Pines. If you start or end the trip in NY, besides Bethpage Black, play Bethpage Red.

End in NY. Easier to catch a direct flight back. How much you looking to drop on golf? There are always charity auctions to play some of the best in the NY Metro area. Seen them for Winged Foot, Baltustrul, Bayonne, and most of the courses out east on Long Island i.e. Shinnecock, Sebonac, Friars, Maidstone, etc... Won't be cheap though, expect to bid a couple grand for each course. I would be down to throw some cash your way to split up the foursome always wanted to do it but can never find anybody serious enough to commit.

[quote name='Chilidog' timestamp='1420480964' post='10689585']
I wouldn't go through a travel agency. I would plan on doing:

Pinehurst #2
Dormie Club in Pinehurst
Kiawah Island in Charleston
Harbor Town in Hilton Head

That would give you 2 major sites, 1 regular PGA Tour stop and 1 of the best new courses in the US. Keeps you on the east coast from a time zone/flying perspective. You can later add in a lot of other great courses around those areas if you need to.
[/quote]

Could even add Pine Needles to that list as well. That in itself would be an epic trip for anyone, can I tag along? lol

[quote name='scarraman' timestamp='1420496586' post='10691197']
Thanks for that folks. I figured that about the Private Courses. It's a pity alright. Here and in the UK, it tends to be "if you have the cash, you can play".

Pinehurst was one of the top of the list alright and that will probably be the route. We're actually thinking about going up to New York on the way back so it may be a goer to stop on Bethpage as well. Direct flights from Dublin makes it easier.

Good advice re. the Florida courses!
[/quote]

It's like that here, except for the top-10 courses. You just need an introduction. Only a few of the very top private courses require a member to play with you (Augusta for example). Most can be had by reciprocation or a professional at a nice club calling the pro. That said, that route can be very costly. The very top tier charge about $500 plus caddy, and the middle of the road ones charge $300+ and caddy. Compared to Pinehurst #2, that's probably on par and you don't have to pay for the big room fee. Just a suggestion.

If I were to make a suggestion, I'd go to Pinehurst in October. Play #2, #4, #8 (can play 36 a day), Dormie Club and Pine Needles. August is a tough time in the US. Just too damn hot unless you are in the NE or Whistling Straights. The other option is to just go to Bandon Dunes, but that may feel too much like home. Pinehurst is as American as it gets.

Could do The Greenbrier and have all the amenities of the resort plus the casino.

You might be surprised what a sincere, well written letter to a private club will do for a foreign traveler in the US.

[quote name='DoubleorQuits' timestamp='1420731360' post='10708479']
You might be surprised what a sincere, well written letter to a private club will do for a foreign traveler in the US.
[/quote]

I may well try that too. I've done it before to get discounts and stuff from hotels

[quote name='jptruck' timestamp='1420721732' post='10707591']
It's like that here, except for the top-10 courses. You just need an introduction. Only a few of the very top private courses require a member to play with you (Augusta for example). Most can be had by reciprocation or a professional at a nice club calling the pro. That said, that route can be very costly. The very top tier charge about $500 plus caddy, and the middle of the road ones charge $300+ and caddy. Compared to Pinehurst #2, that's probably on par and you don't have to pay for the big room fee. Just a suggestion.
[/quote]

In comparison to here to be honest that's reasonably similar, top courses in Ireland (e.g. Royal Portrush) is $280 to play. It's a good idea, r.e. the Pro calling courses... I may try my own Director of Golf and see if they have any contacts over there. I play at one of the higher end courses in Ireland (Carton House - see Irish Open 2013) so we'll see!

[quote name='PThomas' timestamp='1420688586' post='10706327']
expect to bid a couple grand for each course.
[/quote]

Yes... That is WAY too much! (although better if it's for a full foursome) I'll have a quick look though... Never really even heard of charity auctions for that sort of thing... If i find something anyway suitable I'll send you a PM maybe?

[quote name='sabram' timestamp='1420687622' post='10706207']
There have been a bunch of good suggestions. How many days in total do you plan to play? Do you plan to play 18 or 36 a day? Once you decide that you can determine where you might want to play on the way if you drive from New York to Pinehurst and then back to NY. There are some good options on that trip... Atlantic City Country Club, Bulle Rock, New Kent, Golden Horseshoe Gold. If you stay in the Pinehurst area for awhile, besides #2, consider Tobacco Road, Dormie Club, Pine Needles and Mid Pines. If you start or end the trip in NY, besides Bethpage Black, play Bethpage Red.
[/quote]

So far, it'll be 18 a day. As a rule, we walk (unless the course has different rules!) so 36 a day tends to catch up. Never really have as much fun in the carts.

[u]At the moment[/u], we're looking at flying into Orlando or somewhere near Carolina. spend about 6-7 days there, playing 5. Drive to NY for 4-5 days, playing 2 (Need some play time in the Big Apple!!!) As I said, we're still just trying to sort actual courses and once we get dates confirmed for the bigger clubs, we'll firm up on flights, etc.

Keep the ideas coming folks. All are appreciated and seriously considered!

Look into flying into Charlotte Douglas international. I believe they fly direct to Dublin and it'll put you within 3 hours of pinehurst, charleston, hilton head, myrtle beach etc...

When are you planning to come over?

[quote name='scarraman' timestamp='1420760103' post='10711733']

So far, it'll be 18 a day. As a rule, we walk (unless the course has different rules!) so 36 a day tends to catch up. Never really have as much fun in the carts.

[u]At the moment[/u], we're looking at flying into Orlando or somewhere near Carolina. spend about 6-7 days there, playing 5. Drive to NY for 4-5 days, playing 2 (Need some play time in the Big Apple!!!) As I said, we're still just trying to sort actual courses and once we get dates confirmed for the bigger clubs, we'll firm up on flights, etc.

Keep the ideas coming folks. All are appreciated and seriously considered!
[/quote]

It appears that your current plan is for 5 rounds somewhere in the Carolinas and 2 rounds in the NY metro area. If it was my trip, I'd skip Kiawah and Harbor Town and stay in the Pinehurst area. It's a four hour drive to Kiawah, and while the Ocean Course is great, I don't think I'd make the drive there for one round when there is so much great golf in and around Pinehurst. As suggested above #2, Dormie, Tobacco Road, Mid Pines and Pine Needles would be 5 excellent courses. From there you can go to NY and play Bethpage Black and Red courses and enjoy the City. If you can find a way to get onto one of the famous private clubs all the better. I'm in NY and would be happy to have you at my home course, but I can assure you it is not in the same class as #2 or Bethpage.

[quote name='scarraman' timestamp='1420760103' post='10711733']
[quote name='DoubleorQuits' timestamp='1420731360' post='10708479']
You might be surprised what a sincere, well written letter to a private club will do for a foreign traveler in the US.
[/quote]

I may well try that too. I've done it before to get discounts and stuff from hotels

[quote name='jptruck' timestamp='1420721732' post='10707591']
It's like that here, except for the top-10 courses. You just need an introduction. Only a few of the very top private courses require a member to play with you (Augusta for example). Most can be had by reciprocation or a professional at a nice club calling the pro. That said, that route can be very costly. The very top tier charge about $500 plus caddy, and the middle of the road ones charge $300+ and caddy. Compared to Pinehurst #2, that's probably on par and you don't have to pay for the big room fee. Just a suggestion.
[/quote]

In comparison to here to be honest that's reasonably similar, top courses in Ireland (e.g. Royal Portrush) is $280 to play. It's a good idea, r.e. the Pro calling courses... I may try my own Director of Golf and see if they have any contacts over there. I play at one of the higher end courses in Ireland (Carton House - see Irish Open 2013) so we'll see!

[quote name='PThomas' timestamp='1420688586' post='10706327']
expect to bid a couple grand for each course.
[/quote]

Yes... That is WAY too much! (although better if it's for a full foursome) I'll have a quick look though... Never really even heard of charity auctions for that sort of thing... If i find something anyway suitable I'll send you a PM maybe?

[quote name='sabram' timestamp='1420687622' post='10706207']
There have been a bunch of good suggestions. How many days in total do you plan to play? Do you plan to play 18 or 36 a day? Once you decide that you can determine where you might want to play on the way if you drive from New York to Pinehurst and then back to NY. There are some good options on that trip... Atlantic City Country Club, Bulle Rock, New Kent, Golden Horseshoe Gold. If you stay in the Pinehurst area for awhile, besides #2, consider Tobacco Road, Dormie Club, Pine Needles and Mid Pines. If you start or end the trip in NY, besides Bethpage Black, play Bethpage Red.
[/quote]

So far, it'll be 18 a day. As a rule, we walk (unless the course has different rules!) so 36 a day tends to catch up. Never really have as much fun in the carts.

[u]At the moment[/u], we're looking at flying into Orlando or somewhere near Carolina. spend about 6-7 days there, playing 5. Drive to NY for 4-5 days, playing 2 (Need some play time in the Big Apple!!!) As I said, we're still just trying to sort actual courses and once we get dates confirmed for the bigger clubs, we'll firm up on flights, etc.

Keep the ideas coming folks. All are appreciated and seriously considered!
[/quote]

Do yourself a favor and fly to NY from NC. Your talking 9 to 10 hour drive.

[quote name='Chilidog' timestamp='1420480964' post='10689585']
I wouldn't go through a travel agency. I would plan on doing:

Pinehurst #2
Dormie Club in Pinehurst
Kiawah Island in Charleston
Harbor Town in Hilton Head

That would give you 2 major sites, 1 regular PGA Tour stop and 1 of the best new courses in the US. Keeps you on the east coast from a time zone/flying perspective. You can later add in a lot of other great courses around those areas if you need to.
[/quote]

Great list. Makes me want to do it!

[quote name='Yosef' timestamp='1420489605' post='10690469']
[quote name='Chilidog' timestamp='1420480964' post='10689585']
I wouldn't go through a travel agency. I would plan on doing:

Pinehurst #2
Dormie Club in Pinehurst
Kiawah Island in Charleston
Harbor Town in Hilton Head

That would give you 2 major sites, 1 regular PGA Tour stop and 1 of the best new courses in the US. Keeps you on the east coast from a time zone/flying perspective. You can later add in a lot of other great courses around those areas if you need to.
[/quote]

This would be an awesome trip
[/quote]I,ve played harbor town and it,s great course , haven,t had the chance to play kiawah yet but have heard good things about it
and those two courses are fairly close to each other , you would have to rent a car to get around .

I'm based in Midwest ireland and spent a bit of time in South carolina
It all depends on what type of holiday you want
Be it golf with a little bit of socaliasing or drinking with little bit of golf
It is possible to do both in Hilton head
Some great golf in area be it top end like harbour town and overnite in charleston for Kiawah
Plenty of golf available for less than €60 a round with some great bars like Reilly's and jump and Phil's salty dog has to be mentioned also
I met a few guys from this site and played golf in parris Island for €35 and €5 for extra 9 holes
For place to stay try beachside getaways based in Hilton head
Either way I liked Hilton head area enough to have been back there 3 times

[quote name='gussie' timestamp='1420790666' post='10713973']
I'm based in Midwest ireland and spent a bit of time in South carolina
It all depends on what type of holiday you want
Be it golf with a little bit of socaliasing or drinking with little bit of golf
It is possible to do both in Hilton head
Some great golf in area be it top end like harbour town and overnite in charleston for Kiawah
Plenty of golf available for less than €60 a round with some great bars like Reilly's and jump and Phil's salty dog has to be mentioned also
I met a few guys from this site and played golf in parris Island for €35 and €5 for extra 9 holes
For place to stay try beachside getaways based in Hilton head
Either way I liked Hilton head area enough to have been back there 3 times
[/quote]

Another view of Hilton Head is that the golf courses are not very interesting and are infested with old people milling around for 5+ hours in golf carts. The beaches are good; the food is largely chain restaurants catering to the eat at 5 pm crowd.