Hi Joe,
My company is having its annual
meeting in Phoenix at the Wigwam
Resort. We have a scramble
planned, but I have an extra day to
play.
Do you have a suggestion for a
must-play course nearby? —John Weber, Bloomongton, Ill.
 |
| January 2008 |
No matter which Wigwam course you play, there are two other quality layouts on property, though both are traditional parkland-style courses. For a taste of the desert, check out Palm Valley ($42-$90; 623-935-2500, palmvalleygolf.com), an Arthur Hills creation down the street. For more drama, there's the renamed Golf Club at Estrella ($60-$139; 623-386-2600, estrellagolf.com), a Jack Nicklaus II design.
Hey Joe,
I'm thinking about visiting Puerto
Rico in the coming year. Can you
recommend some decent courses
there for under$100? —
Mike Wojton, Yardley, PA.
You definitely have options on the island in that price range, Mike. Here are my top three choices, in order of value. First, there's the wonderfully rustic Coamo Springs Golf & Tennis Club ($25-$60; 787-825-1370, coamosprings.com), designed by Ferdinand Garbin and located in the southern part of Puerto Rico. Also look at the Flamboyan course, a spirited Rees Jones design, at Palmas del Mar Country Club ($53-$125; 787-285-2255, palmascountryclub.com), as well as the Embassy Suites Dorado Del Mar ($87-$120; 787-796-3070, embassysuitesdorado.com), designed by Chi Chi Rodriguez.
Dear Joe,
Where in Florida would you
recommend a 60-year-old couple
go for a golf vacation? We prefer
mid-level accommodations and
courses—not top of the line, but
not bargain-basement, either. —
Dan Kincaid, Denver, Colo.
Florida is one place where you usually don't have to sacrifice quality for value. You can start with Mission Inn Resort in Howey-in-the-Hills (missioninnresort.com). Both courses here—the older El Campeon and the Gary Koch-designed Las Colinas—are fun without being overly penal. The charming resort is close enough to Orlando's attractions but rural enough to still feel like a getaway. PGA Village Resort, in Port St. Lucie, has accommodations to fit any budget, plus three wonderful, affordable courses (prices are $29-$99), two by Tom Fazio and one by Pete Dye.
If you want to ask Travelin' Joe a question, e-mail him at askjoe@golf.com.
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