"Season Extension" course recommendation

[JBailey]

Here in Northern Michigan, our courses are closing.  I'm looking for a course for a 3-4 day season extension with the following requirements.

1.  Relatively easy between 6,000 and 6,300 yds.

2.  Relatively flat (I walk for health reasons).

3.  Relatively open (I want to swing my clubs, but not spend a lot of time looking for balls.)

4.  Rural in nature.

5.  High average temperatures around 50 F. in early December and early March.

6.  800 miles from "Tip of the Mitt" in Northern Michigan.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Later,

John

Edited November 19, 2015 by JBailey

[DaveP043]

I love the Pinehurst, NC area, but its a little further than 800 miles.  Google Maps tells me its about 900 miles from Traverse City.  On the other hand, there are at least a few very good golf courses that allow you to walk, including Pine Needles, MidPines, and Southern Pines.  They're all very playable, even if you're in the trees there's very little undergrowth, but there's plenty of challenge too.  I'm not sure I'd call them rural, but Pinehurst and Southern Pines are pretty small towns.  The temperature range is pretty close to what you're hoping for.  Good luck with the search

[Mr. Desmond]

You will want to look into the RTJ Trail in Alabama.

[JBailey]

35 minutes ago, DaveP043 said:

I love the Pinehurst, NC area, but its a little further than 800 miles.  Google Maps tells me its about 900 miles from Traverse City.  On the other hand, there are at least a few very good golf courses that allow you to walk, including Pine Needles, MidPines, and Southern Pines.  They're all very playable, even if you're in the trees there's very little undergrowth, but there's plenty of challenge too.  I'm not sure I'd call them rural, but Pinehurst and Southern Pines are pretty small towns.  The temperature range is pretty close to what you're hoping for.  Good luck with the search

Thanks Dave,

Hadn't thought of Pinehurst area.  A bit far from home, but only 779 mi. from my home town of South Haven, MI.

[JBailey]

1 hour ago, Mr. Desmond said:

You will want to look into the RTJ Trail in Alabama.

Thanks Mr. Desmond.

Many years (decades) ago I used to hop in my 1959 Volkswagon in the winter and drive all night after work on Friday till it got 50 degrees out. I'd do that each month in the winter. I often ended up in Northern Alabama.  I'd play 36 on Saturday and 18 on Sunday and drive all day and into the night to get to work on Monday.  That was my way of living in Michigan and still play golf every month.

Looks like the Shoals and Hampton Cove courses are just what I'm looking for.