By Randy Kalp
I don't hit the links like I used to. In fact, my most recent outing consisted of taking a pitching wedge to the course down the street at dusk and knocking a few balls around. Trust me, that is far cry from teenage summer days of playing 18 holes and then heading home to study classic VHS tapes of PGA champions, like Arnie Palmer, Chi Chi Rodriguez and Greg Norman, to help with my game.
Even though I don't get to play much anymore, I still really enjoy the game and appreciate the skill and art that goes into creating a world renowned golf course. These three golf courses below are some of the coolest America has to offer and should be on your list courses to visit during your golf holiday.
Torrey Pines Golf Course: North Course
Opening in 1957, Torrey Pines is, in my opinion, one of the greatest courses in America. Ranked #8 in California, this 18 hole regulation course located on the steep bluffs of the Southern California Coast in La Jolla, CA.
Additionally, there is an equally impressive South Course bringing the total holes to 72 at Torrey Pines. One tip, though, if you want sunshine avoid Torrey Pines in May and June due to a heavy marine layer that fills the sky known as May Gray and June Gloom.
The Details:
18 hole regulation length course
Municipal golf course
72 par, 6,647 yards
72.1 rating, 129 slope
Course Design by William F. Bell, ASGCA/(R) David Rainville, ASGCA/Stephen Halsey/Jack Daray, Jr.
TPC of Myrtle Beach Golf Course
When is the last time you felt like a Pro? I know its been a while for me too, but now, even in the dead of winter, you can feel like your on the PGA Tour at TPC of Myrtle Beach Golf Course.
Designed by acclaimed architect Tom Fazio, TPC Myrtle Beach has hosted the Senior Tour Championship. Its PGA quality fairways and greens, which are surrounded by huge pine trees and expansive wetlands, will let you test your skills against a course were some of the best in the game have played.
The Details:
18 hole regulation length course
72 par, 6,950 yards
72 par, 6,950 yards
Designed by Thomas Fazio, ASGCA/Tom Watkins
Augusta National Golf Club
Opening in 1933, Augusta is the cream of the crop when it comes to must-see and, if you are lucky, must-play golf courses in America. Each year the best of the best from the PGA Tour descend on Augusta, Georgia, to shoot it out at The Masters.
Despite being closed to the public, which may be Augusta's ultimate challenge, there are some ways to play the famous course if your invitation doesn't show up to play The Masters. For starters, you could get a job caddying there or become an employee of the course; though, keep in mind that will still only get you one day on the storied course.
The Details:
18 hole regulation length course
72 par, 7,270 yards
74.0 rating, 135 slope
Course by Alister MacKenzie/Robert Trent Jones, Jr., ASGCA