5 sneaky-good buddies trip destinations, according to one longtime traveler

This summer will mark the 24th time I’ve played in the HGGA Championship, AKA my annual buddies trip. It’s a yearly tradition that dates back to my freshman year in college (yep, I’m that old) and has provided me with countless amazing memories—especially those five instances I’ve been fortunate enough to slip on our coveted green jacket, given to the winner of our weeklong competition.

That’s nearly a quarter century of these trips, which have taught me a lot about friendship and different destinations. To be clear, the company you keep is the most important aspect of these journeys, but I’d be lying if I said the venue doesn’t matter. And my group has been lucky enough to play and stay at some of the best golf resorts in the country from Pinehurst to Kiawah to my personal favorite, Sand Valley. Although, admittedly, I’ve still never been to Bandon Dunes. I know, I know, poor me.

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Part of the reason for that is that our mostly New York-based group usually keeps things close to the east coast. When the existence of spouses and kids—things that weren’t even on my radar when I started going but were for our older members—dictate a five-day, four-night getaway, it’s tough to burn a lot of that time traveling. And we often like to alternate “big-ticket” destinations with places steeped in value, especially if we can get there by driving. To that end, I’ve made a list of five sneaky-good spots well worth visiting. Hopefully, we get (back) to all of these multiple times in the next quarter century.

PAWLEYS ISLAND, S.C.

OK, so this is basically Myrtle Beach, but you can stay in this area away from MB’s hustle and bustle (45 minutes south of Myrtle’s airport) and be completely satisfied. Not only have multiple HGGA Championships been held here, but this was even the site of my bachelor party. So, yes, there is some nightlife—and even a Hibachi steakhouse.

The anchors to this trip, however, are two Mike Strantz gems in Caledonia and True Blue (above), which are located across the street from each other. Throw in the Jack Nicklaus design Pawleys Plantation, which was recently renovated, and you’ve got a great Big Three to base a trip around.

VERONA, N.Y.

Speaking of a great big three, Turning Stone Resort Casino also features three fantastic tracks (plus a nice par-3 course), including two, Shenandoah and Kaluyat, which you can walk to from your hotel room. But the gem is Atunyote, which is located a 10-minute shuttle away and hosted the PGA Tour from 2006-2010. Chris DiMarco once even called it the best-conditioned course on tour! Also, if you live in the New York City area, it doesn’t get any easier than a 4-hour car ride. Or you can fly into the Syracuse Airport, which is 30 minutes away. And once you’re there, you never have to leave the property with a wide-array of restaurants, activities (even an indoor driving range) and, yes, the casino, to visit at night. You just might give back all the money you saved by driving there.

PINEHURST, N.C. AREA

Think Pinehurst, but without actually going to Pinehurst. That’s right, there’s so much other great golf courses located in this region that you don’t need to visit one of the country’s most famed resorts. And that other golf comes at a (much) cheaper price. This past year we played the inimitable Tobacco Road (Strantz! And a perennial name on Golf Digest's 100 Greatest Public Courses list), along with Mid Pines, Mid South, Southern Pines, and Pine Needles, which has hosted the U.S. Women's Open four times. Those names may all run together, but I assure you their layouts stand out. Another nearby Strantz original, Tot Hill Farm, just went under a huge renovation as well. And if you want to throw in a round or two at Pinehurst No. 2, go ahead. Just a smorgasbord of great golf.

WILLIAMSBURG, Va.

Like Pawleys Island, another place where you can play two Mike Strantz gems (Yes, we love Mike Strantz among our group in case you can’t tell) in Royal New Kent and Stonehouse. There’s also both the Gold (Excellent) and Green (Very good) golf courses at Golden Horseshoe Golf Club as well as a pair of courses at Kingsmill Resort (above), including the River Course, a longtime LPGA venue. And it’s another very doable drive if you’re in the NYC area. Oh, and we had a great time taking in some history in Colonial Williamsburg. Just kidding, we play 36 holes a day so there’s not much time for anything else, but I’ve heard it’s a great spot!

FRENCH LICK, Ind.

OK, so I’m really cheating here because I haven’t been yet, but fingers crossed, because this is (BREAKING NEWS ALERT) the proposed venue for our 2024 trip. That’s right, major championship golf is headed to the home of Larry Bird! (Now that's a historic site we might stop to see.) And from all I’ve seen and heard, this area's golf is as good as Larry Legend's jumper in his prime. There’s a similar casino hub setup to Turning Stone at French Lick Resort with two 18-hole golf tracks right there, the Pete Dye Course (formerly a Golf Digest 100 Greatest course and currently on our Second 100 Greatest list) and Donald Ross Course, plus a nine-hole course. And the Pfau Course at Indiana University (ranked No. 5 on our list of best college courses) is nearby, along with Brickyard Crossing (another Dye gem and No. 3 on our list of most fun courses) and Sultan’s Run, both of which seem worth going to based on their names alone. Frankly, it’s amazing more people don’t talk about this area that features four courses on Golf Digest's 100 Greatest Public list, but maybe hosting an HGGA Championship will put it (more) on the map. Unfortunately, we will have to hop on a flight to get there, but I can’t wait. Is it July yet?

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