An Irishmans trip to the USA

[MaxBuck]

If you do go to North Carolina, I recommend considering going to Durham and playing the (public welcome) Duke University course. Excellent layout by Robert Trent Jones, and very economical considering the caliber of the course.

Have fun!

[2putttom]

If your in Florida try Streamsong blue/Red.

[luvmp57]

On behalf of all of my fellow golfers from the USA who have been blessed to have travelled to Ireland for Golf, welcome. If your are planning a trip to the east coast in the August/September time frame, it is at the end of summer and the beginning of fall or otherwise known as the shoulder season. The options for golf are so great in that the Florida courses will be in the Off season as it is quite hot and also at the height of hurricane season. I would agree that if you are going for bang for the buck, the Streamsong resort outside of Tampa would be the way to go. In that area other public courses that are in high regard include World woods. The private resorts in that neck of the woods would be Isleworth and Lake Nona in Orlando and Old Memorial in Tampa.

I am unfamiliar with golf in Georgia other than drooling over Augusta National. The coursee in Atlanta are ultra private and the other option is Reynolds Plantation outside of Atlanta.

Moving up the coast to South Carolina The Ocean Course at Kiawah is quite challenging if the wind is blowing and also there are two private courses The River Course and Cassique that are top notch. Going into Charleston proper you have Yeaman's Hall (ultraprivate), Bull's Bay and Daniel Island (both private) The nightlife and dining in Charleston are what make this a great trip. As stated before, a well written personal letter and/or call from your club pro can open quite a lot of doors in this country. The other location in this state is Hilton Head but aside from Harbour town, the other great resorts are all private and are not really head and shoulders above the other great courses in the state. I have been to Ireland enough to know that you guys will want some good food and drink besides the golf!!

OK moving up the coast: North Carolina. All of the history resides in Pinehurst and you will pay a fortune for number two. the other gem is number 8. Nightlife here is OK and it is sort of the hot season for this time of year so greens will be quite slow.

Next state: Virginia: Richmond has Kinloch, the Foundry, Country Club of Virginia James River, and Hermitage Country club Manakin and Sabot Courses, Federal club. all of these are private and apart from Kinloch and CCV not very difficult to get on with well placed letter. Williamsburg is 50 minutes away and has the Golden Horseshoe. To the west of Richmond by several hours is the Homestead Cascade Course.

Moving up the Atlantic: if you are driving through, Bulle Rock in Maryland is a great course on the way to Baltimore.

This is where it gets interesting. I think that the best golf this time of year is in the Northeastern United States. Here you will find parkland golf with teeth. This will be immaculate golf courses with lightning fast greens. Unfortunately, a lot of these courses in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York are very private but a well placed letter goes a long way. In addition, because of the denser populations, you two Irish blokes will find plenty of activities to keep you busy.

Philadelphia: Merion, Aronomink, Philadelphia Cricket Club There are several other gems in this area, just google a list of clubs. Nightlife in Philly is quite interesting

Atlantic City has a few golf courses within the city limits.

Concentrate your search for golf courses on Long Island and Westchester county. These are the true gems in the USA. The other bonus is that you are within shouting distance of NYC.

You can also venture further north to Boston/Rhode Island there are many beautiful courses in that region.

My best advice is that before Labor Day, concentrate your travel in the South it is less populous and cheaper because up North (above Virginia) pricing is at a premium. After Labor day travel up north.

Unfortunately, the US is huge and difficult to hit multiple course in several states.