5 reasons why I love traveling and discovering new golf courses
I grew up in Western New York, where I was fortunate enough to have access to outstanding golf courses, both public and private. Over the years, I had the opportunity to play a variety of them. As my career transitioned into teaching, I was more fortunate to teach at some of the top golf clubs in the country.
Recently, I took my son to Upstate New York for the US Junior Amateur qualifier at Beaver Meadows, just outside of Syracuse. The experience also reminded me why I enjoy community golf so much.
Although Beaver Meadows is a private club, it has the friendliest members you could hope to meet. Their hospitality was genuine, welcoming, and contagious – the kind of experience that makes a golf trip so memorable.
The experience inspired me to compile a list of reasons why I love to go out and find new golf clubs.
1. Finding hidden gems
One of the best parts of going golfing is discovering courses you may not have heard of. That sense of discovery makes the whole journey so rewarding.
We saw this all over Ireland and Scotland. Having more time and a willingness to explore has led to some of our favorite golf memories.
On another trip, my son and I had a 6:00 pm tee time at Royal Dornoch, so we decided to explore the northern part of Scotland and ended up at Durness Golf Club. It was one of the highlights of the trip.
The course itself was amazing, but what really made it special was the reception we received. The team manager actually waited for us to arrive so he could personally greet us. It’s hard to forget that kind of hospitality. Between spectacular golf, stunning scenery, and an unforgettable drive, Durness is a place I would recommend to anyone traveling in the Highlands.
2. A chance to rest
Another thing I enjoy about public golf is the general atmosphere. Although you should always respect the course and follow the rules, many public institutions feel more relaxed.
Sometimes it’s nice to wear sneakers instead of golf shoes or play the odd round without worrying about all the little details of club etiquette. If you’re used to playing in traditional private clubs, that change of pace can be refreshing.
One thing I always notice in public courses and recreation is the pride people take in their teams.
That was certainly the case at Beaver Meadows. The members could not accept it. They happily offered course advice when we asked them and we genuinely enjoyed hosting the qualifiers. One gentleman even gave my son his own green book to use during the tournament. It was an incredibly thoughtful gesture and one we will always remember.
Whenever you go golfing, take the time to talk to the people on the course. Those conversations are often some of the best memories of the trip.
4. Learning to adapt
Travel golf also challenges you to adapt to different playing conditions, and that is the best way to improve your game.
Each course offers something different – grass types, green speeds, bunker conditions, elevation changes, and weather all need to be adjusted.
Bunkers are a good example. Sand can vary greatly from one course to another. Before hitting your shot, take a moment to feel the texture and depth of your feet. Hard, packed sand requires a different technique than soft, fluffy sand, and learning to recognize that difference will make you a better player.
5. Meeting new people
Unless you’re going with a perfect foursome, there’s a good chance you’ll be paired with other golfers. While that may seem intimidating at first, I’ve found it almost always makes the experience better.
Over the years, every team I’ve joined – or every player who’s joined ours – has added something positive to the day. Some players are better than others, but that doesn’t really matter. As long as everyone keeps up the pace and enjoys the game, it usually turns into a memorable round.
If you’ve ever been hesitant about pairing with strangers, I encourage you to give it a try. You might be surprised how much fun it can be. Golf has a unique way of bringing people together, and meeting new people is another reason why a golf outing is such a rewarding experience.
