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Welcome to our 12th annual Let’s Golf® Travel Directory, in which we provide a look at some great golf destinations across the Southeastern United States. From the unique layouts in Northern Virginia to the historic resorts in West Virginia; from the awardwinning courses in Kentucky to the exciting casino action in Mississippi; from the balmy climate of northern Florida to the hospitality and warmth of Louisiana; from the golf capital of Tennessee to the coastline of North Carolina; and from the original golf trail in Alabama to the inland spots in South Carolina, you’ll be able to find the perfect destination for your group. We also feature information on the upcoming golf shows in your area. North Coast Golf Shows is the premier promoter of these winter events, designed to introduce you to new destinations, the latest training tools and great deals on equipment. Visit them online at northcoastgolfshows.com. You can also log onto www.LetsGolf.com for more information and direct links to all the great destinations and golf courses within this printed guide.

West Virginia’s hills and valleys make for a different type of golfing experience: challenging but fun. Unique golf adventures await you just about anywhere in the state. The waits are short, the prices are low, and the pace is leisurely. No matter where you play, the scenery is always spectacular, the mountain air is fresh, and your golf clubs will take you away from the stress of life.

In Southern West Virginia, the renowned Greenbrier Resort beckons. It’s located in White Sulphur Springs. The resort’s first course, the Old White, was built in 1913 and is still garnering high praise from golfers and raters. Golf Digest’s Places to Play gives it 4 out of 5 stars – this annual subscriber survey has become an invaluable resource to golf travelers. Additionally, the Old White Course will again play host to the Greenbrier Classic taking place in the summer of 2011. The second-year tournament is part of the PGA TOUR FedEx Cup Series.

The resort’s second course, the Greenbrier, was redesigned by Jack Nicklaus in anticipation of hosting the 1979 Ryder Cup. Both courses are named in the top five courses in the state by Golfweek.

In 1999, Bob Cupp designed The Greenbrier’s third course, the Meadows. The Greenbrier and Meadows courses were awarded 4 and 4 1/2 stars respectively from Golf Digest. In addition to the three awardwinning golf courses, a variety of other recreational activities are available. The most exciting addition is the resort’s new 103,000 square-foot casino. The Casino Club at The Greenbrier, which is open to resort guests and members only, provides world-class gaming, including table games and slots, plus live entertainment, international cuisine and unique shopping outlets, all located beneath the resort grounds. For lodging options, the historic resort offers traditional guestrooms and suites, as well as guest and estate houses for golf groups to choose.

The Resort at Glade Springs is also located in Southern West Virginia and boasts three championship courses. Designed by noted architect George Cobb, the aptly-named Cobb Course features rolling fairways framed by mature forest leading up to some of the largest greens and bunkers you’ll ever play. The resort’s Stonehaven Course features non-returning nines and some of the most beautiful landscape around. It’s currently rated 4 stars by Golf Digest and both it and the Cobb Course are in the top five of Golf Digest’s best in state list. The recently opened Woodhaven Course offers dramatic views overlooking Glade’s Creek and mountainous terrain and provides a nice complement to the other two courses.

Two of the six state parks with golf courses are also located in the region. Pipestem Resort State Park has two golf courses. The 18-hole course overlooks the Bluestone Canyon and the nine-hole par three course is the perfect spot for an afternoon round. This state park boasts modern cottages and the hotel-style McKeever Lodge, overlooking the canyon. Nearby is Twin Falls State Park in Mullens. Water comes into play on 15 of the 18 holes here. Strategy rather than strength is called for on the 4-star rated George Cobb redesigned layout. This park also offers a mountaintop lodge and cottages.

Nestled in the beautiful Allegheny Mountains is another highly regarded West Virginia State Park Course. Canaan Valley Resort boasts comfortable and truly affordable accommodations and a variety of seasonal recreational activities. The resort’s 18-hole championship course is a Geoffrey Cornish design. Cornish has designed over 200 courses around the world. His scenic valley course at Canaan Valley Resort boasts a 4 1/2-star rating from Golf Digest. Lodging options at the resort park include a 250-room lodge with lounge and restaurant, plus deluxe cottages.

The newest and most upscale state park resort is located in central West Virginia. Stonewall Resort boasts an 18-hole Arnold Palmer signature course, full service spa and fitness center, state-of-the-art conference facilities, a 198-room lodge and deluxe lakeside cottages. The lodge itself also sits serenely on the shores of Stonewall Jackson Lake. The Palmer Course at Stonewall Resort boasts narrow, tree-lined fairways to pedestal greens, with lots of elevation changes in between. And it may just be the most highly acclaimed publicly-accessible tract in the state, having been named one of GOLF Magazine’s “Top 10 New Courses You Can Play” and Golf Digest’s second “Best New Course in America” when it opened. It’s currently rated number one in the state by Golfweek’s “Best Courses You Can Play” and listed at number four on Golf Digest’s “Best in State” rankings. Stonewall Resort’s course also landed 42nd on Golfweek’s “Top 100 Resort Courses” and is West Virginia’s only course listed in “America’s 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses” by Golf Digest.

Cacapon Resort State Park, in the northeast part of the state, features a Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed golf course. At 2,300 feet above sea level, set between two mountain ranges, the challenging championship golf course makes prime use of the rolling foothills at the base of the ridge. The course, which also has a 4 1/2 star rating from Golf Digest, is well known for a double green that is over 100 yards wide. This state park resort offers a nostalgic 48-room lodge with restaurant.

West Virginia does indeed beckon the golf traveler to its mountain heights and valley lows to experience a wide variety of awardwinning layouts. Moderate springs, scenic falls, and much cooler summer temperatures than the rest of the southeast come together with the Mountain State’s location just a day’s drive from half of the country’s population to create a convenient and exciting golf destination.

One of the hottest new destinations is the Raspberry Golf Trail, consisting of ten courses spanning three states. It’s sure to become one of the premiere golf trails in the country featuring upscale daily fee courses with some of the best conditioning and spectacular scenery.

The trail starts near Fredericksburg, Virginia with Cannon Ridge, named the 3rd Best New Affordable Public Course by Golf Digest when it opened. At over 7,000 yards with a par of 71, the course is very challenging. Just up the road in Woodbridge is Old Hickory Golf Club. It’s a Par-72, 7,077-yard championship layout with many creeks and tributaries throughout. Moving north near Leesburg, you’ll find Raspberry Falls Golf and Hunt Club. Located in Virginia’s horse country with vistas of the Catoctin Mountains, this Gary Player-designed course boasts rolling terrain, strategic bunkers and encroaching streams.

Nestled in the tranquility of Virginia’s historic Shenandoah Valley, surrounded by breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is Blue Ridge Shadows, a challenging championship-caliber course.

Moving into Pennsylvania, near hallowed ground where Union and Confederate soldiers marched and camped, is The Links at Gettysburg. The course features daunting, elevated tee boxes with slender, precise landing areas, 14 sparkling lakes and massive, sloping greens. York, Pennsylvania’s new public course, Royal Manchester Golf Links, is a links-style course reminiscent of British coastal courses.

Iron Valley Golf Club, a P. B. Dye signature design with breathtaking views, is also a member of the trail. Dye incorporated much of the natural terrain, including extreme elevation changes, to create a challenging 18-hole layout in Lebanon, Pennsylvania.

The three new additions to the Raspberry Golf Trail include the Irish-links-style Royal New Kent Golf Club in Front Royal, Virginia; the scenic Crossings Golf Club in Glen Allen, Virginia; and the highly-rated Links at Challedon in Mount Airy, Maryland.

On-site or nearby lodging is available to host golf groups on their journey along the new and exciting Raspberry Golf Trail. It’s a trip through the Mid-Atlantic states that you won’t soon forget.

Golf courses designers have taken advantage of the natural bounty within Tennessee to create incredibly scenic layouts.

There is good reason why Crossville and Cumberland County are known as the Golf Capital of Tennessee. It’s home to Fairfield Glade, one of the most sought-after retirement and golf vacation destinations in the entire Southeast. From world class golf on five on-site courses, including the top-rated and award winning Stonehenge, to mountaintop golf on 7 other area courses, there’s a course for everyone. Stonehenge is considered the top resort course in Tennessee. The course, designed by Joe Lee, gets its name from walls of native stone found throughout the course. Rock outcroppings come into play on several holes. Bent grass tees, greens and fairways provide prime playing conditions. Another area course of note is The Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain. It is one of five Jack Nicklaus designed Bear Trace courses in Tennessee. The 6,900-yard layout features a design that capitalizes on elevation changes as well as natural features, such as flowing brooks and clustered, mature pines. The signature 7th hole, a 393-yard, par 4, incorporates another of the region’s natural resources, layered flagstone, along the front of the green.

Lodging and golf package options in Crossville are as varied as the courses, and the warm welcome is as genuine as they come.

South of Knoxville and southeast of Crossville, the quaint town of Sevierville sits right in the middle of the Great Smokey Mountains. It is home to the Sevierville Golf Club, the most exciting course in the region, and is conveniently located near other toprated courses in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Formerly known as Eagle’s Landing Golf Club, The Sevierville Golf Club features two 18-hole championship courses: The Highlands, a par 70 layout that winds through lush, rolling hills and freshwater mountain ponds and The River, a par 72 tract which plays along and across Little Pigeon River. Eighteen holes were added to the complex in 2010 and the two layouts were arranged out of a combination of the original eighteen and the new holes, to create two completely new golfing experiences. The first eighteen holes were designed by D. J. DeVictor (architect of, among other southern layouts, The Walker Course at Clemson University) and features incredible views of the Smoky Mountain foothills and some jaw-dropping elevation changes. Both courses are fun, yet challenging. And although the fairways are mostly wide, there’s strategic bunkering and some smallish greens.

The two golf courses at Eagle’s Landing will soon be surrounded by Sevierville’s Bridgemont Events & Entertainment Destination, which will include high-end shopping, dining, spas and lodging experiences. Sevierville also offers an assortment of sports stores to meet all your golfing needs. Plan a whole vacation around your tee times and choose from a variety of golf packages made available by the outstanding lodging options in the Great Smoky Mountains. Sevierville is located just north of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Both Crossville and Sevierville are convenient, value-laden Tennessee golf vacation destinations.

When you think of golf in South Carolina, Myrtle Beach is the first location which comes to mind. But there are many great golf destinations within the Palmetto State, including Santee Cooper Country, the Pee Dee region and the up-and-coming Pendleton District in the northwest corner of the state. The diversity of the topography allows for great variety in design and layout.

Many exciting courses specifically await in the state’s “Inland Golf Capital,” Santee. Its location is ideally situated in the middle of everything – halfway between New York and Florida, 12 miles from I-26, the connection for I-77 travelers and just a pitch shot from I-95. The Santee area boasts some of the bestmaintained golf courses in the state. Groups may choose from among a splendid collection, including everybody’s favorite Santee National, an 18-hole course with rolling hills, and five strategically situated lakes; Santee Cooper’s 18 holes surrounded by pines, oaks and dogwoods; Foxboro’s forgiving layout and great value; and Lake Marion’s wide fairways, water hazards and strategically-placed sand traps.

The Pee Dee Region is named for the river which runs through it and the Indians who once inhabited the area. Florence, South Carolina, is “golf central” for the area, offering great golf with gracious hospitality. Located one hour inland from Myrtle Beach at the junction of Interstates 95 and 20, the Pee Dee Region is gaining a reputation for providing a relaxed, unhurried, affordable golf opportunity. At the same time, the diversity of the 30 plus golf courses accessible from the region, offers a quality golfing experience for all skill levels. The newest and most exciting tract is The Crossings Golf Club, an award-winning Tom Jackson design. It features 14 acres of lakes, bermuda fairways, and well-trapped bermuda greens. As you travel from course to course, you will no doubt appreciate the beauty and history of the Pee Dee Region of South Carolina.

The Pendleton District of South Carolina is home to the highly regarded Walker Course, which serves as home for the Clemson University 2003 NCAA national champion golf team. The last five holes, including the signature Tiger Paw 17th hole, run along the shores of Hartwell Lake creating a scenic finish. Capturing the natural terrain of the mountains and bottomland, The Rock at Jocassee in Pickens is a skillfully laid out course. It weaves its way around designated Indian burial mounds and between waterfalls and creeks. The Trails at Chickasaw Point in Winchester features lots of elevation changes and three exciting finishing holes. And the city of Anderson boasts five championship golf courses. The Pendleton District is a great locale for golf groups looking for a new spot to stay and play.

These inland golf destinations have made a reputation for great quality and variety of golf courses and for their unmatched hospitality towards golfers from all around the world.

North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands is also known as North Carolina’s Golf Coast—and for good reason! More than 30 courses near the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean, just north of Myrtle Beach, offer a variety of designs by world-renowned golf course architects in a naturally beautiful setting.

Ocean Ridge Plantation is home to four exciting courses, known as the “big cats.” Described as the eminent Willard Byrd’s finest work, Lion’s Paw was the first of these courses to open. The second to come along was Panther’s Run. Golf Digest named Panther’s Run one of the “Top 50 Courses in Myrtle Beach.” Up-and-coming golf course architect, Tim Cate, designed the next two big cats. Tiger’s Eye opened in 2000 to rave reviews. It’s ranked among “America’s 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses” by Golf Digest for 2007-08. Leopard’s Chase opened to critical acclaim in 2007. This course has set a new standard of excellence in North Carolina by being ranked by both Golf Digest and GOLF Magazine as one of the top new courses you can play in 2008.

Brunswick Plantation is one of the most sought-after resorts along the whole Grand Strand. With on-site condominiums and 27 holes of golf, designed by Willard Byrd and Clyde Johnston, it’s considered golf central for the coastal area. Another golf resort of note is Sea Trail, with three 18-hole courses and on-site villas. The courses at this resort were designed by Willard Byrd, Dan Maples and Rees Jones.

For over 25 years, Oyster Bay has been a favorite choice for golfers coming to the Grand Strand. It’s a challenging test with water coming into play throughout. Farmstead boasts one of the most memorable holes anywhere: its mammoth 767-yard 18th hole, the area’s only par 6. Carolina National is an Audubon-Certified Sanctuary Golf Course designed by Fred Couples. Crow Creek offers a challenge for all golfers, with championship tees of 7100 yards and perfect playing conditions year round. And the Arnold Palmer-designed River’s Edge is a must play.

Thanks to the Brunswick Islands’ secluded, un-crowded location, you’ll always find excellently-maintained courses, the perfect tee time, great golf packages and a game that tests your skills, no matter what level.

Mississippi is the “Birthplace of America’s Music.” The state has been instrumental in, not only the birth, but also the growth and popularity of musical genres such as blues, country and, of course, rock and roll, thanks to its most famous musical son, Elvis Presley. Mississippi’s musical landscape is much like the golf scene. It’s exciting and varied and reflects regional influences. Each of the five regions of the state offer their own unique layouts, as the topography varies from region to region. The wide open fields of The Delta Region roll gently into The Hills Region of the northeast. The towering trees of The Pines Region on the eastern border lead to the historical and metropolitan settings of The Capital/River Region. The flowing rivers and streams of The Capital/River Region pour into the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico in The Coastal Region.

A few of the exciting golf destinations in Mississippi include Desoto County just south of Memphis with five great courses to package together; Old Waverly in east-central Mississippi, host of the 1999 US Women’s Open; Pearl River Resort, featuring Mississippi’s most awarded courses at Dancing Rabbit Golf Club, designed by Tom Fazio and Jerry Pate. And with the introduction of casino gaming into Mississippi over a decade ago, the state has added even more world-class courses. For example, Tunica is home to thirteen casinos, plus three great courses, Cottonwoods, River Bend Links and Tunica National.

The state’s oldest and most well-known golfing destination is on the coast. Golfers have been visiting the area for over 100 years. Mississippi’s “Golf Coast” including Biloxi, Gulfport, Bay St. Louis, Ocean Springs and surrounding coastal area, is the only golf destination in the country to deliver championship golf, over 60 miles of Gulf of Mexico coastline, 11 “world class” casino resorts, fresh seafood/fine dining, charter fishing and an endless supply of Southern Hospitality. With over 20 courses in the area, golfers have the choice of classic historic tracts as well as new championship layouts – golf to fit every skill level and every budget.

Some of the newer golf offerings on Mississippi’s coast include Beau Rivage’s Fallen Oak, an award-winning Tom Fazio design and host of the Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic, a Champions Tour event each Spring; The Preserve, designed by Jerry Pate and affiliated with The Palace Casino Resort; Davis Love’s Shell Landing; Landmark National’s design at The Oaks; Arnold Palmer’s The Bridges at Hollywood Casino; and Jack Nicklaus’ Grand Bear. Some of the historic layouts includes Sunkist, Pass Christian Isles and the state’s oldest course, The Great Southern Club.

Thrilling casino action, renowned golf courses, fabulous food, and exciting entertainment come together along Mississippi’s “Golf Coast” to offer more than just a great golf vacation. And with non-stop air service into Gulfport expanding each year, the coast is more accessible than ever.

From the flatlands and blues history of the Delta region in the north to the sunny Coastal region in the south, Mississippi is packed with top-notch signature golf. The year-round golfing weather, combined with great quality courses all at a great price, make Mississippi a terrific place to spend a vacation on the links, playing your favorite table games, or listening to “America’s music.”

The courses of the Audubon Golf Trail continue to offer an unparalleled golfing experience. Louisiana’s golf trail is now a compilation of twelve of the state’s top golf courses and resorts.

The Trail begins in North Louisiana with Black Bear Golf Course, located off I-20 in northeast Louisiana. The layout offers varied topography from tree-lined holes to open approaches and boasts large Tif Eagle greens. Also in North Louisiana is Olde Oaks near Shreveport. The 27 holes of rolling terrain are Ryder Cup Captain and local native Hal Sutton’s first signature designs.

Heading south, Cypress Bend Resort on the Texas-Louisiana border sits on the bluffs above Toledo Bend Lake. The resort offers great accommodations, delectable dining and spa facilities.

Paragon Resort & Casino, near Alexandria, boasts the 18-hole Tamahka Trails course which blends the tradition of Scotland with massive fairway bunkers. The area is also home to Oak Wing Golf Club, located at England Air Force Base.

The Island, near Baton Rouge, is an 18-hole course carved out of a sugar plantation and boasts nine lakes. Southeast of there is Atchafalaya at Idlewild. This Robert von Hagge design was just named the 5th “best new affordable course” by Golf Digest and was also in Golfweek’s Best New Courses list. The newest course on the Trail is just up the road in Lafayette. The Wetlands course name speaks for itself. The links-style course showcases the bayou region’s many lakes and wetland areas.

North of Lake Pontchartrain, is Louisiana native, David Toms’ first signature design, Carter Plantation. The course plays through live oak flats, cypress wetlands and pine forests and was named one of GOLF Magazine’s “Top Ten New Courses You Can Play” when it opened.

New Orleans is home to the TPC of Louisiana. Pete Dye designed the course, which hosts the PGA TOUR’S Zurich Classic of New Orleans. Also in New Orleans, the Audubon Park executive course offers a delightful challenge.

In the southwest corner of the state, Gray Plantation is Lake Charles’ Audubon Golf Trail offering. It was named the 3rd best new upscale golf course by Golf Digest, when it opened and is currently ranked on the magazine’s Top 100 Public Courses.

Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana feature lush scenery that makes the area one of the most beautiful in the country. The landscape becomes a picturesque backdrop while golfers vie for lower scores on seven championship golf courses. Each course was designed to preserve the authenticity of the area as well as provide an unforgettable golfing experience. So, whether you are a novice or a seasoned professional, the area courses offer excellent conditions and Southern hospitality. Plus the three local casinos provide exciting nightlife and another sort of challenge.

Another Lake Charles area course not to be missed is the Contraband Bayou Golf Club at L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort. It’s a unique 7,000 yard, par-71 championship Tom Fazio signature course. The course boasts new Champion Bermuda greens and natural vegetation lines eight spectacular lakes to challenge golfers of all skill levels.

The Audubon Golf Trail and other Louisiana courses blend the natural beauty of the state’s waterways with unique topography in each region of the state.

Florida boasts more golf courses than any other state in the U.S. But it’s the quality and accessibility that keep travelers coming back. And with only top quality courses in its portfolio, Honours Golf management company boasts some of the most exciting courses in Florida.

A passion for golf and pride in providing the finest golfing experience are the hallmarks of Honours Golf. This is made evident in Northeast Florida, where Honours manages the two courses at World Golf Village in St. Augustine. The King & Bear is a unique and historic collaboration between Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. The course stretches to 7,200 yards and features loblolly pines and open meadows on the front nine, and the natural beauty of 200- year-old live oaks complement the back nine. The Slammer & Squire is a championship resort course created with consultation by “The Slammer” Sam Snead and Gene “The Squire” Sarazen. The 6,939-yard course offers two distinct nines with generous fairways, contoured greens, and plenty of water hazards along with impressive views of the World Golf Hall of Fame.

In northwest Florida, Honours also manages two of the area’s premier courses, Kelly Plantation in Destin and Bay Point Resort near Panama City.

Nestled along Choctawhatchee Bay, Kelly Plantation’s championship 18-hole golf course is considered “The Crown Jewel of the Emerald Coast.” The Fred Couples signature design is rated 4 1⁄2 stars by Golf Digest and it features large contoured greens, manicured fairways, high definition hazards, pristine greens and picturesque views.

Located east of Destin, Bay Point Resort offers two championship golf courses. The Meadows Course was renovated in 2004 and is the epitome of country club golf. The Nicklaus Course at Bay Point measures over 7,000 yards. The design features bunkers strategically placed to tempt golfers in a risk/reward scenario. Add to it a newly renovated hotel and you’ll see why Bay Point is destined to be the ultimate golf resort destination in Northwest Florida.

The great golfing state of Florida continues to be a favorite destination for golf travelers from around the world for its great quality and variety of courses.