Family golf: pair the history of the game with world-class play. Here are five places where you and your clan can tee it up together.
St. Andrews, Scotland
For the ultimate family golf adventure head to St. Andrews, in Scotland, the undisputed “home of golf." With some luck, planning well ahead with a tour operator or securing a tee time in the daily ballot, you’ll find yourselves on the legendary Old Course or one of six other tracks managed by St. Andrews Links. Staying at Rusacks St. Andrews means you’ll wake up within a stone’s throw of the hallowed turf. Originally opened in 1887, the hotel has a concierge team known for making golfer’s dreams come true by assisting with tee times and club delivery via Shipsticks, offering complimentary golf storage, sharing local knowledge and confirming dinner reservations. The rooftop restaurant, 18, provides stunning views of the Old Course (watch from the balcony as players cross the iconic Swilcan Bridge and finish on the 18th green) and beyond to the West Sand Beach and the North Sea. Also on property is the newly opened Rao, a historic New York-based restaurant now offering “Old Italian at the Old Course."
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The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, Georgia
If you’ve ever been inspired to play after watching The Masters golf tournament each spring, you’ll want to experience the game at these courses not far from the famed Augusta National. The luxurious lakeside resort is home to five championship courses designed by architects Rees Jones, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio and Bob Cupp, each inspired by the natural surroundings including Georgia oak trees, rolling hills, flowering dogwoods and a Lake Oconee backdrop. It’s a destination where multigenerational families will gather for a putting contest, a lakeside picnic, a day of fishing or an afternoon spent poolside.
The Omni Homestead Resort & Spa , Hot Springs, Virginia
Tucked within the Allegheny Mountains, this historic resort has been welcoming guests for more than 250 years. Golfers will find plenty of challenge with play on either of two championship courses, both of which have tested presidents and PGA pros. Completed in 1892, the Old Course is noted for having the oldest tee in continuous use in America. Throughout the years, the course has been updated and is consistently ranked among the top public courses. Kids can take advantage of specialized golf clinics but will also be lured by the resort’s two-acre water park. Family members will want to dip into the famous mineral hot springs, go for a horseback ride or spend time in the spa or the movie theater.
For more: www.omnihotels.com
Big Cedar Lodge, Ridgedale, Missouri
Nature lover Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops and Big Cedar Lodge, built three championship courses as well as a par 3 and a 13-hole walking course, hoping to inspire people with play amid extraordinary natural beauty. Among the impressive courses is Payne’s Valley, an homage to Ozarks native and World Golf Hall of Fame member Payne Stewart. It is also the first public-access golf course designed by 82-time PGA TOUR winner Tiger Woods and his golf course design firm, TGR Design. Players on The Buffalo Ridge course roam with, yes, buffalo.
In addition to water sports, spa time and biking, resort guests will also want to access Dogwood Canyon, a 10,000-acre nature park offering hiking, wildlife tours, horseback riding and trout fishing among towering bluffs, waterfalls and creek beds.
For more: www.bigcedar.com
Oasis at Death Valley Resort, Furnace Creek, California
At 214 feet below sea level, the rolling 18-hole, par-70 Furnace Creek course scores extra points as the world’s lowest elevation golf course (and for the occasional golf-ball-snatching coyote). Palm trees frame the fairways and majestic mountains provide arresting vistas throughout the course. Water comes into play on nine holes and multiple sets of tees provide a challenge for every member of the family. The course is located at Death Valley National Park, where hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, star-gazing, swimming in spring-fed pools and exploring old movie sites are all possible. Stay at The Inn or The Ranch, two unique and historic properties. Ask about family golf lessons.
For more: www.oasisatdeathvalley.com
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