Welcome to my world! The “Group Scoop” has a new “Grouper Scooper” (hey! I couldn’t let that gem go by unsaid!). A new voice, new perspective, same Groople attitude.
Even with a new captain at the helm, the course will remain steadfast. The Group Scoop will remain a space for sometimes opinionated, mostly factual, always interesting musings in and around the wonderful world of group travel.
As for today, here’s one for the golfing “Meccas.”
I want to start my discussions with a trend in the travel mainstream consciousness regarding my beloved “golfing vacation” topic that I simply disagree with. Specifically, golfing gurus are championing what I would deem a quantitative approach to “golfing vacation”. More is better. Better because there is more. Let me untangle that last statement.
The idea is that the United States has seen such an explosion in golf courses that there are literally hundreds of courses worthy of a “golfing vacation.” Many states, with many quality golf courses. So the best idea becomes for you to choose your destination based on factors over and above the actual course when planning a “golfing vacation”. Choose a destination based on any sound combination of budget, weather, amenities, other attractions, really anything, because the quality golf will be there, think of that last. Sure sounds pragmatic, don’t it? Practical even. You could even load your buddies in a sensible minivan to drive there.
Should a once a year, maybe once every five years, event be the domain of practicality alone? Nay, nay I say. What about giving you and your golfing buddies something to remember, something to tell people about for years and years to come?
Don’t always make the simple choice of planning the same “golfing vacation” where the surrounding city and hotel mean more than the course itself (quantitative “golfing vacation”). Consider something more; consider planning a pilgrimage. Do what it takes to make it to one of golf’s “Meccas.” Make a trip for the ages. Play some random nice course in Arizona and you’ll talk about what a nice time you had for a couple weeks- then forget it soon after as it blends with the similar local courses you play every week.
However, make the trek to Pebble beach, tee off with the sea breeze whistling by, where the vistas are breathtaking, the greens impossible, and you’ll experience something more. Stand in the same hallowed ground as the legends of golf and you won’t be talking about it for weeks like that nice average spot you went to last year. No, you’ll regale all who will listen for years to come about the greatness and magnitude of your experience at one of golf’s legendary landmarks. Playing at one of golf’s legendary courses will not only be just as fun and relaxing as random spot in Florida, it’ll also be an accomplishment, a member’s only achievement.
So go play: Pebble beach (CA), Pacific Dunes (OR), Pinehurst (NC), or try and get on Augusta National (GA), even number #1 from golf digest, Pine Valley (NJ), anything in Scotland will do! Next time you’re in a group of fellas talking about their favorite courses you’ll be the one that everyone needs every detail from. The hero of the day!
On second thought, Arizona and Florida do have nice courses, great hotels, amenities galore; what a fabulous vacation, hmmm…
But for now- here’s to the golfing “Meccas!” Hip, hip...
Mount Rainier Lodging and Washington Cabins
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Posted by: Peter Profesta | June 28, 2007 at 11:18 AM