Spring Break Help

[hoofreak7]

I'm trying to think of a good place to go on Spring Break. My most important factors are places where I can play/practice a lot (golf season starts the next week) and decent weather (by golf standards, really, but beach weather would be nice too ).

Our situation is that we're pretty much only looking at Marriotts because my Dad has a bunch of reward pts with them because he works in Atlanta (we live in VA) and stays in the same Marriott every week. So far we've looked at Casamagna Marriott in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and Sawgrass Marriott, in Ponte Vedra. None of us have ever been to Mexico (and my mom is especially skeptical) so I don't really see us going there, although it looks pretty cool. I think Sawgrass is a good option because I've always been dying to play the Stadium and there are a lot of other courses nearby, not to mention the practice facilities there. I do have a couple of concerns. First, my Dad rarely gets to play golf anymore......has not time to due to where he works.....so he has become extremely rusty. I know that the Stadium course is one of the toughest in the world. Do you think it would still be fun for him? Would we have a lot of trouble with crowds (people riding your butt trying to play through or obnoxious playing partners)?
Any other tips about Sawgrass or other places would be awesome, thanks!

[kpaulhus]

I was just going to recommend Sawgrass. Im a 14 handicap and shot a 100 on the Stadium course from the blended tees....mainly because it took 5 holes to get used to the green speed and I put 3 in the water on 17. Really its just regular golf. Nothing is going to be tour specs except maybe the greens and rough. If you have a gps or a caddy then it will be a great experience. You can even give my home course a shot in my sig. Also, St. Johns county course about 25 mins from Sawgrass is where they hold Q School. Exceptional course, and again, depending on the tees, its really not super difficult. There is no other practice facility as good as whats at Sawgrass, plus the hotel is pretty sweet too. Never played golf in Mexico so don't have any input on that.

Some tips for Sawgrass. Be ready for fun. Its just a great course to play. I didn't get a caddy since we tee'd off in the afternoon, but it wasnt too bad. I loved the club house and it is something I will never forget. There was no wait on any tee until the 17th, but thats expected.

What ever you decide to do it is going to be fun. Best of luck!

[senorchipotle]

shoot man, come to texas. the marriott at horseshoe bay has three great courses. one's a pete dye, one's a nicklaus, and the other is a RTJ course. beautiful scenery, and there's a lot to do in austin. if your folks like tasting wine and such, there are a lot of wineries in the area. we've just opened one up there last year, it's really nice.

[uttexas]

Are you looking for beach + golf. I agree with Senorchipotle, horseshoe bay would be a great choice if you want golf + lake fishing. If your mom really wants beach also, check out The Grand Marriott Hotel, Spa, and Golf Course near Gulf Shores Alabama http://www.marriott.com/hotels/trave...-club-and-spa/

The Marriott is 20 miles from Gulf Shores in Point Clear (nice beach) Here are the courses near Point Clear http://www.golflink.com/golf-courses...Point+Clear+al

Most of the golf courses in the gulf shores area aren't too demanding. http://www.golflink.com/golf-courses...Gulf+Shores+AL


Trip Advisor reviews of the Grand Marriott in Point Clear, Alabama http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...r_Alabama.html

[65withatriple]

I think anywhere along the Southern US coast will be good weather wise and have plenty of courses to play. Hoseshoe Bay is a great option as stated above. I went to Hilton Head last summer, played Harbour Town, The Ocean Course, and 2 other that I can't remember the names. It was very affordable. I think Sawgrass would be great too. As long as your playing golf I dont think you can go wrong. Hope you have a great trip.

[DaSportsGuy]

You'd probably want to no farther north than where you're at now-It'll probably still be a little on the chilly side up here.

TPC Sawgrass would be my recommendation. I'd really like to get down there within the next year or two. Hopefully over my Summer Break this year. It's #1 on my list right now.

[GolfinGQ]

Well, I see flight prices probably aren't a factor because you were looking at Puerta Viallarta. I have been there....DON' T GO! For all of your needs you have said; Marriots, golf, and beach...the exact place you need to go to is Kauai, HI. They have 3 Marriots there, and two of them are great. One is on the south side of the island, right by Poipu Bay Golf Course, where they used to play the Grand Slam before it moved. Great course! Then the hotel on the east side of the island, is on the Kauai Lagoons golf course (Nicklaus course) that they revamped last year to put a par three in the ocean. (played it last year, wonderful course). And then there is the Prince Course at the north end of the island that is ranked #67 in the country/ #12 public in the country. That is the one I have yet to play, but it is supposed to absolutely wonderful (and tough). Just my $.02!

[danieldrieberg]

too bad about Mexico----Your instincts are correct----Mexico is Muy Beino

[GolfinGQ]

Have you figured out where you are going to go yet?