Hit the Lake this Summer (But Not with Your Ball)

July 13, 2014

From time to time, everyone needs to escape the daily grind, forget about their usual routines, and cast their worries aside. With the hot summer days in full swing, there is no better time to plan your next escape than right now.

Whether you intend to travel with your children or vacate with your significant other, a retreat to the shoreline can provide the best of both worlds. We suggest reserving a tee time at a course overlooking a pristine lake or river.

Luckily, GolfNow has plenty of golf courses to choose from, but five courses especially stand out for their prestigious views, immaculate conditions, and proximity to entertainment options for families and couples.

Little Mountain Country Club (Concord, Ohio) – 

Currently the only Ohio-based public golf course to ever receive a five-star rating from Golf Digest, Little Mountain has provided guests with impeccable views of nearby Lake Erie and pristine course conditions since its opening in 2000. Designed by renowned architects Dr. Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry, the course features mature hardwoods, a variety of fairway and greenside bunkers, and bentgrass fairways and greens. It is a course that offers a challenge but isn’t overwhelmingly difficult for those still mastering their game. As a result, golfers of all ages and experience levels can play to their potentials and enjoy a fun round. Afterward, golfers can meet up with loved ones and explore the nearby parks, attend summer concerts, and learn about local history.

The Club at Viniterra (New Kent, Va.) – 

A classic Rees Jones layout, The Club at Viniterra is sure to create lasting memories for each of its guests. Whether they are in awe of the course’s naturally gorgeous settings or tested by its numerous elevation changes, the experience is unforgettable. Offering six sets of tees, ranging in length from 5,210 to 7,725 yards, the course was designed to accommodate all types of golfers while forcing them to consider strategy and precision as they hit their drives and approach shots. Nestled near the shoreline of the Pamunkey River, the course is only about half an hour away from the capital of Virginia which is popular for its assortment of family activities including Kings Dominion theme park, a nature center, and the Metro Richmond Zoo.

Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course (Coeur d’Alene, Idaho) – 

From the moment guests arrive by Honduran Mahogany water taxis, they know a unique golfing experience awaits them. Specializing in first-rate, personalized service, the resort treats every guest like a VIP by providing complimentary sports massage therapy, private forecaddie programs and custom designed luxury carts. This attention to detail is immediately noticed on the course’s well-conditioned holes as well, each of which offer views of Lake Coeur d’Alene. After signing their scorecards, golfers can explore the area’s nearby nature trails, tour the Museum of North Idaho, whitewater raft, or simply recline by the lake with their friends and families.

Patricia Island Golf Club (Grove, Okla.) – 

There are few golf courses in the southwest, let alone the United States, that provide scenery as serene as Patricia Island. During just one breathtaking round, golfers will be staring at the foothills of the Ozark Mountains on one hole and overlooking Grand Lake on another. When golfers are not distracted by the views, they’ll either be putting on greens noted for their “tour quality” or maneuvering their shots around the 6,806 yard layout. Once their rounds are completed, guests will have a wide range of other entertainment options to choose from such as nearby Tulsa’s air and space museum, art museum, and minor league baseball games.

Old Brockway Golf Course (Tahoe Vista, Calif.) –

For all golfers who consider themselves history buffs, or are interested in walking where legends like Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra once conversed, Old Brockway is a “must-play.” Formerly the host of Bing Crosby’s annual tournament (known today as the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am), Old Brockway is located near the shores of one of the world’s most famous lakes – Lake Tahoe. Despite the course’s below average length, at 6,724 yards from the back tees, Old Brockway’s narrow fairways and tiny, “turtleback” greens still challenge low handicaps to this day. After golfers leave the course, they will likely continue to spend time outdoors, sightseeing at the Truckee River and Blackwood Canyon or enjoying water sports like tubing and kayaking.

 

Honorable Mention

Badin Inn Golf Club (Badin, N.C.)

Incline Village Championship Golf Course (Incline Village, Nev.)

Red Wolf Golf Resort (Huffman, Texas)

Spooner Golf Club (Spooner, Wis.)

ThunderHawk Golf Course (Zion, Ill.)

 

Featured image courtesy of www.tourfactory.com.