Camp Creek Golf Club– Tom Fazio designed this spectacular course – it’s located just east of Destin in Seagrove Beach. There are some great hotels there as well. Camp Creek is billed as a “water and sand experience” – those who haven’t played there will be alarmed by this, but there really isn’t much to worry about, the golfing isn’t really that hard. The course, which opened in 2001, has been ranked in the top 10 public golf courses in Florida by Golfweek magazine. This course is a par-72 and truly is a place you should go if you love to golf.

Regatta Bay– Regatta Bay is regarded as one of the best courses in the region. The course was designed by Robert Walker and is one of Okaloosa County’s original “upscale” courses. Walker wanted this course to be “unique, challenging and dramatic” for the guests. So you can expect that no two holes will be the same at this resort. Do look out for bunkers here though! The natural water hazards also offer a unique challenge for golfer’s of all skill levels. Of the 18 holes at this course 9 of them are affected by the wetlands, especially off the tee. Water comes in to play on the other 9 holes along with  free-form bunkers and fingers to ensure an interesting game. This course is not for the faint of heart though, you’ll need to be able to drive the ball accurately and play conservatively. This upscale course can be a little pricey, but this unique lush course will make for a memorable experience which, in our opinion, can be well worth the price.  

Kelly Plantation– A little farther down Highway 98 is Kelly Plantation, another fine course. It has been classified as a 4 ½ star course by Golf Digest. This course is a little more navigable for the average golf and is also at the forefront of the catering movement . Kelly Plantation strives to deliver the highest level of attention to their patrons, often times striving to exceed those expectations, all while paving th future for the sports future experience. This course is a must-play if you want to be catered to. Another benefit to the exceptional attention is that this course does not just aim appease you personally, their course will appease your golf skills as well.

Shalimar Pointe– This is one of the (relatively) older courses in the area and is located on the western shore of Choctawhatchee Bay. Shalimar Pointe was redesigned by Joe Finger and Ken Dye in 1986 and still looks very modern. This course was also given 3.5 stars by Golf Digest for its challenging, but fair layout. This course offers five sets of tees so anyone, at any level, can enjoy a day of golf here. They are even offering lower prices to be competitive in today’s economy.

Sandestine Resort– The Sandestine Resort is 2,400 acres in all and is situated in between the Gulf and the Choctawhatchee Bay. This behemoth has four 18-hole courses and rivals any, and all, courses in the South. This resort has won over 30 awards from reputable golf organizations and publications for its four championship courses that have the prefect blend of challenge and fun equated in them.

Burnt Pine  and The Raven – These two courses were designed by brothers Rees and Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Both courses rank among the highest in the Panhandle region. Burnt Pine is better known for its scenic nature while The Raven offers a wider array of heroic shots and has large format bunkers.

Where to stay: look for hotel rooms, vacation rentals, and other property types at www.hotelreservations.com

Where to eat:There are more than 400 restaurants in the Greater Destin Area, so you can pick and choose as you like. Most restaurants have between 10 and 50 tables and specialize in local food. Noted eateries include the Back Porch and The Crab Traps (there are two of them). For a more unique dining experience, consider The Red Bar, a cultural landmark.

Watson, appearing very calm and collected

Open Championship at Turnberry has begun.  Always located in the British Isles (this year, Scotland) the Open Championship is the oldest and most coveted of the 4 major annual professional golf tournaments.  The winner of the Claret Jug is the man who can percevier through 4 days of the british isles without loosing his cool.  Many winners of the British Open as it is colloquially known, have repeated the feat due to the small number of players who can tame the course.  As Tiger Woods continues looking for his first major victory since his return from injury, the cameras are on Irish native and two time defending champion Padraig Harrington.  He’s won the last two tournaments and took home the PGA in 2008, giving him 3 major titles.  But with Harrington 8 shots back from the lead, and Woods likely to miss the cut, there is a bigger story this weekend in the highlands.

59 year old and 5 time British Open champion Tom Watson is tied for the lead after two days.  Watson shot a 5 under par on Thursday (tied for 2nd) but we did not break the news due to the fact he might not survive through Friday.  Veteren legends past their prime often have one great day before the weekend and before the Cinderella media pressures them into a terrible next round.  But Tom Watson has shot par today and is now tied for the lead and going for his 9th major and 6th British Open.  If he wins he will be tied with legend Ben Hogan and South African Gary Player for 4th all time in Major wins.

In his press conference Thursday Watson said with a jovial delivery:

“..will I be able to handle the pressure?…I don’t know”

He followed up his uncertainty with a grin and this stern comment:

“I feel that I’m playing well enough to win the golf tournament”

Amen Corner

Amen Corner, Azaleas and all of golf’s greatest scenery will be displayed in all its glory while the best of the best prepare to tee-off for the first of four major championships in Augusta Georgia.  Practice rounds begin Monday April 6th through the 8th in preparation for the four-day Tournament play starting April 9th with the final round ending on Sunday April 12th.  Over 16 million people watch the Masters on television in eager anticipation of who will take home the PGA’s most coveted prize – The Green Jacket.  By doing so, golf’s greatest champions are forever immortalized as Masters Champions (though the prize money isn’t too bad either which topped $7.25 million in 07.)

The green jacket is more than just a fashion statement as well.  The Augusta National golf course is a highly prestigious and private club with only 300 members at any given time and every member of Augusta National receives a green jacket- a sport coat with the club logo on the left breast.  The idea of the green jacket originally came from club co-founder Clifford Roberts, who wanted to be able to distinguish visiting patrons from members.  The winner of each years Masters Champions become an honorary member and thus receives a Green Jacket presented by the previous years winner.  The jacket may only be worn on club grounds with the exception of the current Masters champion who may wear the jacket off grounds for one year- after that the jacket hangs at the club.

If you are one of the few lucky patrons who scored tickets to even just the practice rounds of this years Masters tournament, chances are you’re looking for a place to state and reservations are certainly filling up fast.  Here are a few solid stand by’s near the Augusta National golf course.

The Partridge Inn: Starting Around $129 p/night

For more than a century, The Partridge Inn has served as a tranquil retreat for heads of state, captains of industry, international celebrities, and other luminaries. Established in 1892, this historic, full-service choice among Georgia hotels has undergone a multimillion-dollar renovation — perfectly blending its richly vibrant past with the modern comforts and amenities you’ve come to expect from a luxury property. With 145 distinctive guest rooms, studios, and suites, an award-winning restaurant, and a secluded outdoor pool, we offer the ideal Augusta hotel accommodations for business and leisure travelers. In addition, we’re only minutes from the alluring sights and attractions of downtown. Witness a bold new chapter in the history of “The Grand Hotel of the Classic South,” situated in a peaceful hilltop setting.

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