Dear Joe,
I'm going to be in Austin, Texas at the same time a friend will be in San Antonio. Can you recommend anything halfway between where we can meet?
Kent Lillie, FARMINGTON, N.M.
Your pal is going to get the better end of this deal as far as gas goes, but you'll both enjoy The Bandit ($47-$59; 830-609-4665, banditgolfclub.com) in New Braunfels, a Keith Foster design that features rustic hill country scenery and a nifty set of risk/reward par 5s. Your buddy will drive 20-25 miles, while you'll drive about 60. But what's a few gallons between friends?
Hey Joe,
We will be touring Colorado, traveling north on I-25 toward Denver and then west on I-70 toward Utah. Any memorable courses we should visit?
S. Downes, PALM COAST, FLA.
Set your GPS for Enghville. Architect Jim Engh has a bunch of fine courses in the area, including Red Hawk Ridge ($72-$79; 720-733-3500, redhawkridge.com) in Castle Rock and Fossil Trace ($53-$75; 303-277- 8750, fossiltrace.com), in Golden, which features dinosaur tracks and sandstone outcroppings. In Grand Junction, Redlands Mesa ($84-$100; 970-263-9270, redlandsmesa.com) is an Engh joyride.
Hi Joe,
My husband and I have the week of July 4th open and would enjoy golf and spa services. We're comfortable with a hotel in the $250-$350 per night range, and other than that, we're just happy with anywhere that's not as hot as it is in Texas in July. What do you think?
Sharon K. Hedges, DALLAS, TEX.
Run for the border — the one to the north. Blaine, Wash., is home to Semiahmoo Resort (800-770-7992, semiahmoo.com). Room rates from July 3 through July 6 are $216-$339, and temperatures range from 53 to 74 degrees. Toss in two fine courses, Semiahmoo and Loomis Trail (both $45-$86 for guests) and a full-service, European-style spa, and you've got an Independence Day to remember.
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