Month-long (cheap) golf trip in Feb/March?

Hello, all. Hoping for some advice.

I've been laid off of my job, and job prospects aren't good in the short term. Worst thing is it's winter and I'm in NYC, so I can't even go play golf.

I want to use the opportunity to make a run at scratch (I finished '08 as a 1.6). I want to take a 3 week to month golf trip. Here are my preferences--do you have suggestions?

- Weather: Has to be at least 50 every day in late Feb/early March. I'm not a member of the polar bear club.
- Price range: Not too expensive. Hoping for nice courses, but don't want to pay more than 40-50 a round, preferably less. Play-all-day rates would be fantastic, and I love to walk. (I walk 36-45 holes every Saturday at my home course while I'm working.)
- Lodging: Nothing fancy, just clean. Not too expensive, hopefully some weekly/monthly rates, wi-fi included. Gym would be great, if not, a local one nearby I can join for the month. Something I could just pay $1000 for the month would be great.
- Practice facilities: hopefully some good, cheap ones nearby. Would probably walk 36 holes 4 days a week, practice and lift at the gym the other three.
- Other diversions--bars, etc., not necessary. I'll be a hermit and focus on golf.
- Hopefully can rent a car cheaply as well if I have to fly there. Would also like the area to be compact--I don't want to have to drive an hour to get to the courses.

Any suggestions? Thank you!

Santee, SC is probably the best choice. There are 5 or 6 courses in a fairly small area, with several others not far away and they have 'all day' rates. It will be difficult to find a cheaper destination. The only potential issue might be weather, as there could be some days down in 40's. There's not a lot of other stuff there (which could be good on limited budget or boring), although Charleston, SC is not far away (about an hour or so). Myrtle Beach is about 2 hours away or so and they have about 100 courses, but it's a little more expensive. They are very willing to work with you to setup your trip and lots or discounts are possible with a long stay.

Check out these links:

SanteeCooperGolf.com
GolfSantee.com
SanteeLakesGolf.info

What about Orlando? I'm not from the area, but am moving there in August, so have been checking out the area pretty extensively. You can stay someplace like Winter Garden, FL (centrally located to some nice golf courses in the MetroWest area and about 15-20 minutes from Orange County National, which is probably a little above your price range, but a must play with one of the best practice facilities in N. America). I know there are a couple of extended stay places in Winter Garden (Extended Stay Hotels--http://www.extendedstayhotels.com/ comes to mind...$29.99/night including wifi and a kitchen). Weatherwise, you probably won't find a place better than Orlando for late Feb/early March. Should be in the 70s and maybe even 80s a lot of days. Anyway, sorry I can't give info on the courses in the area (I can give names when I get home from work of ones I've heard are good and want to play), but I'm sure some Orlando/FL folk can shed some light on that. Just thought I'd try to throw out an idea.

And sorry about losing the job...it seems as if everybody is these days, but a month long golf vacation sounds wonderful right now.

I would say San Antonio Texas has the best balance of great weather and cheap prices.

Texas, in general, has a low cost of living. Great food, great people. Really good golf. San Antonio is close to Padre Island (a few good courses there also). San Antonio also has the Spurs, Sea World, and Six Flags Fiesta Texas, the Alamo, horse racing.

scroll down this link to see San Antonio's best munis, best overall etc.
http://www.texasoutside.com/golfBest.html

http://www.golflink.com/golf-courses...San+Antonio+tx

You won't get bored. You can head up to the Hill Country (40 miles away) and Austin (100 miles away) Padre Island (250 miles away)

My plan B for cheap golf/good weather this time of year would be El Paso/southern New Mexico

Jacksonville FL

Via mapquest, it's 16 hours from you, so that is a day's drive.....if you have a reliable car, that is 200 max in fuel, and you have your own vehicle....

If you find a reasonable location on the Southeast side of Jax, somewhere off 9A, you should have access to numerous great courses within 30 miles/minutes......also, the Golf Hall of Fame is only 30 minutes from there and worth the trip.....most of the local courses can be played for $50 during the week, if not much cheaper, although I am not 100% sure that is all day, but during the week you can get on some for $25, especially late in the day....

If you do some research, I guarantee you can find someone willing to rent you a room for a month for $500 max.....most golfers are usually supportive and fairly clean people, and in this economy, folks can use the money....

If I was still single, I would offer you a room at $500 for the month and put you up here in Dallas, but being recently married, that ain't gonna happen Within 15 miles of my place, I have at least six courses with reasonable rates and nice lay-outs.....if you decide on Big D, I might be able to locate you a place to stay......if nothing else, we can play a round and I'll hook you up with some cold beer....

I used to live in Jax and really enjoyed the golf out there....unfortunately, I don't really have any contacts there anymore....

Thanks for the kind responses and suggestions. I'll do some research and let you know what I find!