Pondering fantasy golf travel for him and her

If you could make a bucket list for your ultimate golf travel fantasies, what would it include? With input from Mike Pinckney, here is our take on the subject from XX and YX.

Exclusive Round of Golf:
Augusta National
XX: Martha Burk tried in 2003 but struck out. Still a girl can always dream. After walking the incredibly lush fairways during the Masters, taking numerous photos of the Azaleas, and eating those signature pimento cheese sandwiches, it would be grand to be able to walk into the women’s locker room, put your stuff in your own brass-plated wood cabinet – but darn, there is no women’s locker room.

Cypress Point Golf Course, Pebble Beach
YX: So far, I haven’t played it as I don’t know a member who would invite me – and that’s the only way to get on. I’ve seen it on TV when the pros played the AT&T Pro Am – what a spectacular back nine. Alister Mackenzie was a genius. Just playing it would be a round of a lifetime.

Dream Golf Getaway:
CordeValle (San Martin, California)
XX: It has to be one of the most romantic golf destinations in the country. It’s got it all: great course, spectacular mountain views, wonderful spa, and even an on-site winery. And the rooms! Most are suites with the most comfortable king beds, huge Jacuzzi tub for two and some even have private plunge pools. CordeValle also offers spa treatments for two – which gets to my next point. You can come here for golf but don’t come alone.

Myrtle Beach
YX: What better place to head with the guys. There are enough public courses – 102 by last count – to keep us going until dark and pal, the price is right. We’re not looking for the Ritz but we need more than a bar of soap, a tin shower and a wide-body Motorola. We’re talking clean, convenient, small fridge and a flat-screen TV with cable and the Golf Channel. And the deals you can find on Myrtle Beach golf vacations are incredible. Take the Mystical Golf package at $184 per person for golf on three solid Dan Maple-designed courses plus accommodations, lunch and breakfasts. Perfect.

Quickie Golf Weekends:
The Greenbrier
XX: The Greenbrier is a class act. You can play a different course each day including the Old White then unwind with a delicious massage or facial in the spa or hang at the pool. Love the smashing new interior which restores the wow colors and splashy flowers of the original designer, Dorothy Draper and the new casino, which is exclusive to members and guests, is very chi chi. Shopping is pretty special too in the resort boutiques. Stay in one of the pretty rooms in the main hotel or share a multi-bedroom cottage or house. At the end of the day, order a Kir Royale at The Twelve Oaks equestrian-themed then dinner at Drapers.

Las Vegas:
YX: Vegas is a must for any mancation, and golf at Desert Pines Golf Club is at on top of my list. The walk along lush watered fairways is beautiful, interrupted only by my game. You can spend the rest of your day at the Hard Rock Hotel pool for REHAB, by far one of the best pool party experiences of Vegas and you owe it to yourself and your friends to set up an afternoon inside one of their cabanas. You may not forget about gambling or your golf game, but it is definitely a pleasant visual distraction. Later, hit the casino tables in Caesar’s or Paris and if you are still pumped, go on to experience the clubs.

Day at the Spa:
La Costa, Carlsbad, California
XX: With two courses to play and a huge Athletic Club, you’ve got to love a day to chill in the Spanish-style LaCosta Spa. The spacious women’s side has a large whirlpool, steam room, sauna and private garden. I really like that you can relax before and after with your main squeeze both in the co-ed lounge, the gardens, under a waterfall and around the outdoor pool. Try something different and book a bamboo massage where heated smooth bamboo stalks warm your muscles while the therapist massages out the kinks. There’s a spa cafe so you can make a day of it. Across the way is the Chopra Center focusing on spiritual things and well being. Sweet.

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
YX: I still haven’t got a handle on how to pronounce it, but the Spa Ssakwa’q'n in the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort is one cool landing pad, especially after a day playing the Circling Raven course. Book the De-Stress Muscle Massage or the Crystal Lake Stone Massage and you’ll be ready to go for another round. And while you’re at the hotel, catch the world-class entertainment at the casino – perhaps see Wynonna or REO Speedwagon and try your luck at one of the 1,600 Vegas-style gaming machines, $30,000 high stakes bingos, and off-track betting.

CordeValle hole 15

Spa Pool at La Costa Resort