FEATURE STORY
NFC East: Dallas Golf Scene Thriving, Even With the Cowboys Crumbling
By Shawn Nicholls,
Staff Writer
NEW YORK CITY, NY (August 6, 2002) -- Nothing warms the heart of lifelong AFC fans more than to see the Cowboys and the Redskins struggle as they did a season ago.
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But, despite this, both locations sport pretty good golf courses, while the NFC East's other two teams, the frontrunners of a year ago, are just behind in terms of golf availability.
Here's the rundown.
1.
Dallas
Any city that has an NFL themed golf course like Dallas has to shoot straight to the top of the rankings. Located in Grapevine, the Cowboys Golf Club has everything from a star shaped green to detailed golf carts in the spirit of the blue and silver. If only the Dallas cheerleaders worked the beverage carts…
Keeping the strong football connection alive, the nearby and recently opened Vaquero Club borders the ranch of famed quarterback Terry Bradshaw, one of Dallas' strongest adversaries during the epic Steeler-Cowboy confrontations of the 1970s.
2. Washington
It would be hard to mention public golf in the nation's capital without talking about the East Potomac Public Club. Built in 1920, the club is home to three nines, the red, white and blue, built by Robert White.
Also nearby is the newly designed Stonewall Golf Club that despite its youth is quickly being touted as one of Northern Virginia's best daily fee tracks. Also, while not the best of the Washington and Virginia area courses in terms of quality, the Fairfax National Golf Club does have the history, as it was built right on a historical battlefield from the Civil War.
3.
New York
As a state, New York ranks fourth in the nation with 638 golf courses, but, unfortunately, many are not quickly accessible from the city or from New Jersey, home of the Giants, especially on the weekend of a game.
Be sure to make it to Lake Placid for a few days of golf and other upstate venues when you have the time and transportation.
As for the New York area itself, who can deny a little island golf? Long Island, that is, home to the famous Bethpage Park and its multitude of great tracks. This could especially be the place for the die hard football fan who loves a good tailgate, as people sleep in their cars the night before for a spot at the Black Course.
4. Philadelphia
It's the city of brotherly love, and it sports the Liberty bell, but the golf could use an improvement. The good news for those residing in Philly is that New Jersey and New York are both close by, so a short drive to some of the northeast's best courses is feasible, but those tracks fall into the Giants' territory.
As for right around Veterans Stadium, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Public Course is an interesting choice. If anything, it gives visitors the chance to play a par-69 track, not something you will have the chance to do too much. Adding to the fun, the course is atypical for the region in that it is actually flat, circa Florida courses.
Also not far away is the Cobb's Creek Golf Club, which features two very different 18 hole courses, The Olde Course and the Karakung Course. Spending an entire Saturday on the two courses is a good idea, as the fees are manageable.
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Projected Order of Finish
1. Philadelphia - As much as it pains a Pittsburgh native to say it, this may be the year for the Eagles. They've been knocking on the door, and had a shot at the Rams last year. Donovan McNabb is proving everyone wrong by being an everything quarterback, and he is only getting better.
2. New York - It still baffles many that the Giants made it to the Super Bowl with Kerry Collins at the helm, but then again, the Ravens won the darn thing behind Trent Dilfer. This season should go a long way to dispel any notions of the Giants being a one hit wonder, and behind their strong defense, should make a run for the wild card.
3. Washington - Well, what can you say? Adding Steve Spurrier was a good move. The guy can coach. Allowing him to sign Gator alums Shane Matthews and Danny Wuerffel to right the ship wronged by Jeff George? Bad.
4. Dallas - At least they got rid of Ryan Leaf.
Shawn Nicholls writes regularly for TravelGolf.com and WorldGolf.com. Contributing Writer Shane Sharp will be back next week to pick up with the NFC coverage.
