Most of us are still just easing into peak season in May, so here are five courses that won't beat you up too badly as you search for your swing.
Coeur D'Alene Resort
Coeur d'Alene, Id.
$150-$270; 208-667-4653;
cdaresort.com
Famous for its floating island-green, Coeur d'Alene is the definition of "sporty resort course." Its brilliant white bunkers, lush green fairways, blazing red geraniums and ice-blue lake backdrops are a visual feast, but the 6,735-yard layout is still conquerable, even from the tips.
Pinehurst Resort (No. 1)
Pinehurst, N.C.
$79-$165; 910-295-6811;
pinehurst.com
Enjoy a romp at this 6,128-yard, par-70 layout, which dates to 1898.With open approaches and one pond, the soft 117 slope is as welcoming as it gets. The 150-yard 18th hole (also the number 18 handicap hole), is a good indication that this is not the Pinehurst course that hosts the U.S. Open.
Mt. Mitchell Golf Club
Burnsville, N.C.
$44-$89; 828-675-5454,
mountmitchellgolfresort.com
With a back tee rating of 70.0 and a slope of 121, there's not too much scary about this flat, 6,495-yard, par-72 western Carolina track.The Toe River and meandering streams influence play at many holes, but from start to finish, Mt. Mitchell is scenic, uncomplicated fun.
Pacific Grove Municipal Golf Links
Pacific Grove, Calif.
$40-$62; 831-648-5777,
ci.pg.ca.us/golf
The "Poor Man's Pebble Beach" boasts a seaside back nine with dunes higher than those at Spyglass Hill. But if Spyglass's challenges achieve grad-school status, Pacific Grove's weigh in at the kindergarten level. At 5,727-yards, Pacific Grove couldn't beat up a fifth grader.
){kind=link}