Charleston's Golf Courses Are High On The List For Golf Destinations

Mark Twain once said, "Golf is a good walk spoiled." Now, I don't know if Twain ever golfed, and it appears he had or he wouldn't have said this, he must have set his expectations too high to arrive at this negative conclusion because another quote recalls it this way, "A bad day of golf is better than a good day at work." Twain was a rather cynical man and he knew how to turn a humorous phrase.

Golf can be rather comical. On one hand, you can have a big strappin' guy taking his wacks at that tiny white ball sending it 300 yards in all different directions, and on the other hand, a little old lady methodically hitting the ball a little distance at a time up the fairway. More times than not she will arrive at the green with less strokes and more balls. I'm being somewhat facetious.

Here is another quote you hear me often repeat, "You drive for show, you putt for dough." Finally, this quote is rather Mark Twainish, but not of his making, "Golf is a poor mans simple pleasure and a rich mans aggrevation." You have to think a bit on that one.

Some of the top destinations for golf in North America according to golf.com are right here in the Southeast. Topping off the list are places like Orlando, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, Ocean City, and Pinehurst. Golf courses in Myrtle Beach are as numerous as the Northeners who visit the Grand Strand. The area is home to more than 100 courses. If you are looking for a challenge the five toughest courses are Barefoot Golf Resort (Dye Course), Rivers Edge Golf Club, Pawleys Plantation, Dunes Golf and Beach Club, and Grande Dunes (Resort Course).

Orlando has been voted "North American Golf Destination of the Year 2010" by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators. It has over 75 courses to choose from. Ginn Reunion Resort, Florida designed by such legends as Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus is located just minutes away from Walt Disney World Resort and the Orlando International Airport.

Golf Digest readers named Hilton Head Island No. 10 on its list of the world's best golf resorts. If you are looking for a specific category such as most challenging, most scenic, and most player-friendly Hilton Head has it. Other notables near Hilton Head are The Melrose Course at Daufuskie Island Resort and Breathe Spa, a championship Jack Nicklaus “signature” layout and Bloody Point Course at Daufuskie Island Resort and Breathe Spa’s.

One of the top courses in the country is right here in our own backyard. Readers of Golf World Magazine voted Kiawah Island Golf Resort "#1 Resort in the U.S." where Kiawah Island Resort (Ocean Course) is located. Also was ranked No. 4 in the Top 100 list on golf.com and notibly home of the 2007 Senior PGA. Golf enthusiasts of Charleston are happy to know August, 2012 the 94th PGA Championship will be held at the Ocean Course. Another top Charleston area course is Wild Dunes Links Course consistently ranked by Golf Digest and Golf magazine as one of "America’s Top 100." Patriots Point Links right on Charleston Harbor offers spectacular views of the city and Fort Sumter. Coosaw Creek Country Club accolades include a "Must Play" by Golf Magazine, and a "4 Stars" from Golf Digest. These are just a few of what Charleston offers to the golfer.

So, the only thing a golfer needs is more daylight, and money. In closing, maybe you will appreciate this observation- The difference in golf and government is that in golf you can't improve your lie. A travel note of significance- Southwest Airlines will start serving Charleston on March 13th. Now there are seven new direct flights to CHS. Remember golf bags fly free! Get out and golf.