Anatomy of a Golfing Road Trip

May 22

Anatomy of a Golfing Road Trip

Here in the North, those of us who are of the golfing persuasion spend these sub-freezing days dreaming of ideal golfing days in far off locations. This is the climate in which many a golfing trip is formulated. Nothing quite stokes the fire like planning out those road trips. The most common variety for my bunch of knuckleheads is the 2-4 nighter by car, going as far as a 5.5 hour drive to Pinehurst. (Sheer Heaven!)

Over the last few years, however, the number of trips has increased and now includes a big trip to go along with the occasional, shorter roadies. Recently, we’ve been to Scotland, to Augusta for the Masters and, last year, to Alabama to play the RTJ Golf Trail. So as Fall expires into Winter, we started making the long range plans for the annual big trip. Our group discussions, often in barrooms, were debating the usual suspects amongst our desired destinations and led us to the unanimous conclusion that this year we’re going to Kohler Resort, on the shores of Lake Michigan in Wisconsin.

Many details need to be hammered out. First, the dates: we’re going on Fathers Day weekend this time. Golf in the morning, watch the US Open telecast in the afternoon and there’s still time for a late 9 holes afterwards for those who haven’t had to much cheer already. Oh, Daddy! Second, the courses: play the big dog twice – Whistling Straits, the Straits Course. We’ve learned over time that enhances the memories. Third, get the right flight: whenever possible, get a direct flight. It lessens the chances of lost luggage or golf clubs. Fourth, arrange accommodations: my boys and I prefer less in the way of accommodations because we rarely spend any time in the room. Our forte is sampling the local atmosphere. Ahem.

Then there is all the minutiae such as collecting money, where to meet, getting to the airport, parking, rental vehicles, gas, etc. All of these tasks fall on one guy – me – because one thing I’ve learned: planning the trip enhances the anticipation. And I like that too.

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9 comments

§ Brandon Tucker® said on : 05/22/07 @ 19:58
I'll be at Kohler next week. I've been looking at pics of the Straits and I think I've soiled myself already.
§ Ron Mon® said on : 05/23/07 @ 06:31
I've been to Kohler, and place it even with Bandon in the "why leave the USA" category. When you play Whistling Straits' Straits course, ask for Geo as your caddie...tall, ex-military guy. He has a buddie, former minitour player, and they have a little schtick they do. Geo reads putts like God...his buddy doesn't. Other than the disappointing 18th, the Irish is quite the memory. Straits is ridiculously good. At Blackwolf Run, the Meadows course may have the worst, first hole of any great course I've ever played. After four holes of this track, you're asking yourself "what up, dog?" It finishes like you cannot imagine. The River course simply kicks your asterisk from the first hole on, but has one amazing hole after another. Four Pete Dye courses, four unbelievable venues. There's another new course in Sheboygan called Bulls' Balls or something...definitely check that one out (we missed it...four courses in two days was enough for us.)
§ Shanks® said on : 05/23/07 @ 08:20
Oh yeah, those pictures on the Kohler website are really amazing. In fact, I think their website is one of the best of it's kind.

There are actually quite a few very good courses in that area that we considered extending the trip for but like you guys, RonMonster, we're just going to o.d. on the resort courses. One of the great secrets of Kohler is that after your first paid round of the day, you can play again (on a space-available basis only) at the Irish & Meadow Valley courses for just the caddy or cart fee.
§ Brandon Tucker® said on : 05/23/07 @ 14:45
you sure about the "only caddie and cart fee"? I see replays on the site as about $100-200 additional plus cart/caddie.
§ Shanks® said on : 05/23/07 @ 15:03
Yep. Look under the Golf Kohler package. It says "Complimentary green fees for additional golf, based on same-day availability on the the Meadow Valleys and Irish courses only. This offer may not be scheduled in advance. Please check with the pro shop after your first round of the day for additional same day availability. Golf car, caddie fees and gratuities not included."
§ Shanks® said on : 05/23/07 @ 16:03
Actually, all of the packages have that same offer. We looked at staying at nearby non-resort motels and paying the rack rates. But we wanted 2 separate guaranteed starting times for 8 guys together on the Straits course, so we decided to go with the package. I think you can only make those times 2 weeks out if you are not there on a package. I made these reservations and tee times several months ago.
§ Brandon Tucker® said on : 05/25/07 @ 13:38
Very cool, will keep that in mind when I'm there, good lookin' out.
§ Brandon Tucker® said on : 06/01/07 @ 18:00
Whoa baby, are you in for a treat at Kohler. Straits ate me alive, but its pretty special. Irish is awesome too and the River is awesome too. Incredible hole variety here. 72 holes and you won't feel like you played one duplicate. A great natural setting. And the package replays are quite popular! Have fun!!
§ Shanks said on : 06/04/07 @ 08:29
B-Tuck, you're killin' me!! You must really hate travelling the world to play all of these dog tracks. In my next life I want to be you. Hope you blog about the Kohler courses.