Golfing the Top 100 Courses in America

[mattrice]

OK, so I have decided that I'm going to attempt the impossible, and try to golf the Top 100 Courses in America all in 2010. I'm only in Day 2 of the inception of this golf journey, but I need to put some serious thought into what I will need for this trip. Let's start with the car. Since it will just be me, I won't need a tremendous amount of room so let's go with something economic and green; Toyota Prius. Hopefully the trunk has plenty of room for luggage (I think the clubs should ride shotgun, don't you?). I would love some feedback on car selection. I also need to think about places to stay. This will take a little more thought. I need a big chain with locations all over the US, and I also need to be financially responsible. Any ideas? I'm thinking Best Western. Now I do have my clubs, but I'm thinking with a journey of this epic proportion, maybe it's time to upgrade into some custom fitted clubs. I've always been a TaylorMade fan, but again, I would love feedback and suggestions. Do you think we can get a sponsorship from an oil company to help supply the gas (does this sound like too much of a reach)? I will need proper attire for all of the venues. Which clothing companies do you guys like best? Since I am going to be updating on a daily basis, we will need quality tech equipment (laptop, phone, camera, digital recording, etc.). I know I am leaving lots of stuff off the list, so again, any feedback will be greatly appreciated. HELP!!!

[Wazzu8]

What is your budget for this?

[mattrice]

I figure I'll need $50,000 to take care of my home life while I'm gone, and another $35,000 min. to get me around the country. Also, how am I going to get invited to all of the private clubs?

[Smiffy]

Are you Donald Trump or Bill Gates?

[mattrice]

I wish!!! I know it seems like an impossible quest, but I've done some research and people get onto these courses all the time. As of right now, the hardest one to get into is Augusta. That will take a miralce!

[wrx_junki]

I hope you're single or plan on being single by then to be making this trip.

Top 100 courses in the U.S. according to whose standard?

[aleski]

An eccentric Finn played all the golf courses in Finland, roughly 2 700 holes, during a 11-week period last summer. His plans were to hop on his bike, but ended up getting a sponsor. So, instead he spent his nights in a camper parked next to the club house, though he was at times invited to take full use of the club facilities.

[Danny Noonan]

  mattrice said:

Let's start with the car. Since it will just be me, I won't need a tremendous amount of room so let's go with something economic and green; Toyota Prius. Hopefully the trunk has plenty of room for luggage (I think the clubs should ride shotgun, don't you?). I would love some feedback on car selection.

Way too much to say on this topic.

First, global warming is a farce, so buying this car because it is green is just silly. Also, there is plenty of evidence that is suppressed that proves that this car is much less green than even a Hummer if you look at all the energy used and pollution that is caused in building a Prius. If the premise that man causes global warming is correct, your car selection is not going to create any impact on reducing global warming - to think your car choice actually makes an impact is nutty, especially when almost everyone else in the WORLD isn't doing the same thing. Your little contribution is nothing. Safety issues are a concern. I don't get people placing their lives in these little putt putt cars. Look up Prius accidents on the web - not a pretty sight. Again, if the theory of man made global warming is indeed correct, you are giving up tons of safety to attempt to make an impact on global warming - such a slight impact that it doesn't even matter. Seriously. Not sure the Prius is economically the right choice - don't you pay a premium to get one? That premium eats up the difference you pay in gas. Not to mention, nothing screams "I have a mangina" more than a man driving a Prius. When I see guys driving a Prius (from the comfy confines of my Denali XL), I think to myself, man, that must suck. On a guy trip, even a solo guy trip, you want to leave open the possibility to get laid. If driving a Prius attracts women, I would think it attracts the wrong kind of woman. The only women I know that might be attracted to a man in a Prius are women I'd want to scare away. Get something comfortable for this journey. Give yourself some space. You'll enjoy the drive much more and give yourself more of a chance at getting laid along the way. You asked for feedback. You got it. Have a great trip. Sounds like fun. - DN

[mattrice]

  pxc said:

Don't get a Prius. Get a Volkswagen Jetta TDI. Comparable gas mileage, low emissions, less $$ for repairs if/when it has a problem, better handling, acceleration, and interior. You are going to sit in this car for a long time, you should get something comfortable. You'll feel better sitting in the VW. I think they are cheaper to buy outright, too. You may also be eligible for a tax credit.

I actually have started a blog. You can find it at

http://mygolfjourney.wordpress.com/ I'm also on Facebook. My name is Matt Rice. I have a Twitter account, but I need to learn how to use it properly. Thanks for the input!

[deronsizemore]

  mattrice said:

...and I also need to be financially responsible. Any ideas?

This trip does not equal being financially responsible.

[Danny Noonan]

  deronsizemore said:

This trip does not equal being financially responsible.

Agreed. But wow. Worth every penny. I imagine I'll do such a trip when I'm in my 50s. I'd probably do it right and do it in a big RV. Rip open the ozone layer while I'm at it.

- DN

[uttexas]

The first thing that came to my mind was weather. The PGA tour has it just about right when scheduling their courses. Lets say you start your fantastic journey in late February. I'm guessing you will have already played most of the California courses by then. Drive to Nevada, then Arizona, then New Mexico, then Texas, then Georgia, then Florida, then work your way up the east coast, then midwest, then Washington/Oregon and work your way back down California. The last thing you want to do is play all of your Arizona, Texas, and Florida courses in the middle of the summer.

Take your time and visit some of the other wonders of America:
Grand Canyon, Big Bend, Statue of Liberty, Niagra Falls, Mount Rushmore, etc.

Are you focusing on the continental United States?

[yenner]

  uttexas said:

Take your time and visit some of the other wonders of America:

I'd rather play a few "ok" courses (mainly because I suck) and take in the sights. Great ideas for next summer. Thanks!

[Wazzu8]

I would suggest maybe thinking about playing the top 100 public courses in America.

[kris]

Wow what a plan you have. If I had the spare time and money to do that I would too, but sadly i have too little of both.

[mattrice]

You've pretty much nailed my route right on the head. I will be starting in La Quinta, CA on or near the 1st of January, then going to Vegas, Arizona, then on to Texas. As of right now I'm worried about Tulsa, OK in January (never been there, so I have no idea what the weather will be like), Idaho in late October, and Oregon in November. I'm sure I'll run into terrible weather at some point, but if I can golf in Northern Ireland in November, then I can golf anywhere!

[mattrice]

  Wazzu8 said:

I would suggest maybe thinking about playing the top 100 public courses in America.

That might be what happens. If I can't get enough contacts by Thanksgiving, I'll be changing my course. Golfing the Top 100 Public Courses won't be as sexy, but it will still be amzing.

[6iron]

I don't know if you were joking abut putting your clubs in the front seat with you but I think that would be dangerous. If you have a accident while driving those clubs could cause some serious injuries. I would let them ride in the trunk or in the back if you buy a SUV.

I hope you have a great trip and keep us updated from time to time.

GOOD LUCK!