Solo golf trip recommendations

[paulomac77]

I live in Michigan and have once again come to grips with the idea that it will be at least 5 months before we can reasonably go out and play golf. While I miss playing and would love to schedule a guys trip to south florida, it's just not in the budget this year. What I would like to find is a really nice practice facility (natural grass driving range and short game area) and one or two nearby courses for a 3 or 4 day trip that won't break the bank. I'm thinking January or February so weather wise I would be looking at south florida or possibly the Houston area. Flights from grand rapids to fort myers, tampa or Houston are reasonable. I have not researched the Houston area but AirBnBs in Fort Myers is pretty encouraging. All together with flights, rental car, lodging and golf I'm hoping to stay under $500, hit a ton of golf balls, and not think about snow flakes for at least 72 hours.

 

What I'm looking for is recommendations in those two areas, Fort Myers and Houston as well as other areas that are warm and affordable work too. My ideal days would be morning practice session (range, short game) then a mid-day round, and either do a replay rate or more range time. In my research I liked what World Woods of Golf offered but that is about as far from an airport as you can get in Florida and i'm already looking at long travel days with connecting flights. A practice facility with courses that is a $30 uber ride from an airport would be ideal. If i could stay somewhere and walk to the course to avoid a car rental that would free up some much needed capital for an extra round of golf or two.

 

My wife thinks I'm crazy for wanting to go solo but I can't find anyone yet that is willing to board a southwest flight to chip and putt for a weekend. I'm looking at this as a winter retreat/training camp for the upcoming 2019 season. Any and all advice is much appreciated!

[abergervt]

If your willing to wait it out and book last minute id suggest maybe hitting the RTJ trail in bama but youd have to go to mobile not sure what the cost of that would be from GRR. Also should look around and make some calls in Ft Myers to places that have housing developments aorund courses some places will put you up for the weekend and give you full course access if you take a tour of a few units the old time share dog and ponny show but might be perfect for what you are trying to do!

[Argonne69]

I've taken a few dozen solo winter trips, and I think you're going to be hard pressed to keep it under $500. Rental car costs alone could run $200 in Florida given that it's peak tourist season. Have you checked airfares? It's going to run $250 to $300 for a flight to Florida unless you plan to arrive after midnight.

 

Orlando is probably your best bet. Plenty of options for golf and hotels at various price points.

 

Southern Alabama or Mississippi would be cheaper, but it's a gamble with the weather. It could be 40/60, or it could be in the 30's.

[jvincent]

Under $500 is going to be tough. Golf in Florida in the winter is generally not the cheapest.

 

I will also suggest the RTJ Trail. Fly into ATL and head to Capitol Hill in Prattville. They have three courses and a wicked looking practice area.

 

Their winter unlimited special is $84 a day if you want to play more than one round or $64 a day if you want to practice and only play one round.

 

I'd bet that this will probably end up being the best/cheapest option if you can get a decent flight.

[paulomac77]

Sorry, $500 for flights, car and lodging. Which i figured would be low on the estimate.

 

I'll look into Capital Hill. I know i was thinking about flying to Birmingham for some RTJ sites but didn't think January would work. Maybe late February would work out though.

 

Thanks for all the feedback!! I think 'time share dog and pony' is the leader in the clubhouse

[Bonneville85308]

I would try the Orlando area. You can get a roundtrip flight from GRR to Orlando-Sanford on Allegiant for like $175-$200 including baggage fees. If you are willing to stay in a lower quality motel like an Econolodge or Rodeway you can find them for well under $75 per night in the Orlando area in January.

[golfandfishing]

Myrtle Beach? Chance of not good weather, but golf and lodging for dirt cheap is easy to find.

[jvincent]

Sorry, $500 for flights, car and lodging. Which i figured would be low on the estimate.

 

I'll look into Capital Hill. I know i was thinking about flying to Birmingham for some RTJ sites but didn't think January would work. Maybe late February would work out though.

 

Thanks for all the feedback!! I think 'time share dog and pony' is the leader in the clubhouse

 

Based on the average temps, February should be low to mid 60's or better.

 

We have the same weather as you and this March I did an "emergency" trip to the RTJ trail in March. We had a foot of snow that ended on Monday, I was on the computer looking at flights/weather/golf options on Tuesday, and was hitting golf balls on Thursday afternoon.

[TM_HOYER]

I agree Orlando is your best bet. I have done the same for over a decade (both from Ann Arbor, Go Blue, and from Atlanta). I head to Bay Hill and stay at the lodge. In the morning you can work on your game with John O'Leary at the Arnold Palmer Golf Academy, have lunch, go out for 18 in the afternoon, get cleaned up, and head out for a nice dinner. And starting the first of the year, you can see them getting ready for the API.

[Argonne69]

If you're considering Orlando, check flights in and out of Tampa, along with one-way rentals. Generally you get charged more for a one-way rental, but between Orlando and Tampa it seems they get a lot of one-ways, and you can save money by "returning" the car to the other airport.

[smb4ua]

As someone who lives in Alabama, I wouldn't choose RTJ for a winter trip unless you're booking it at the last minute and know the weather will be good. If it were me, I'd go to Streamsong. If that's too pricey I'd do Orlando.

[freddiec]

I was just in Fort Myers - Naples Nov 1 for 4 days of a golf orgy with 5 close friends. I would go to ft Myers. Lely Flamingo has a good grass range. You can’t beat that area.. love it down there.

[txeconomist]

Weather has been terrible in Houston with rain almost every day for months it seems, go to Arizona or Florida. Probably significantly better public golf there too.

[jerebear21]

Ocala Florida has the best budget golf during peak season. And great courses as well.