Golf in Professional Footsteps in 2012
Want to ring in the New Year in high style? Play where the pros play.
TeeTimes.net can help you do that, often at discounted rates. Our massive golf course database features dozens of tracks that regularly host professional tournaments, including three on the 2012 PGA Tour schedule and another that’s a regular Champions Tour stop.
- PGA Tour: Humana Challenge – PGA West, Nicklaus Tournament Course (La Quinta, Calif.); Waste Management Phoenix Open – TPC Scottsdale, Stadium Course (Scottsdale, Ariz.); World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship – Doral Resort, TPC Blue Monster (Miami, Fla.)
- Champions Tour: Tampa Bay Pro-Am – TPC Tampa Bay (Lutz, Fla.)
Regardless of where you drain the final putt of 2011 or blast the opening shot of 2012, here’s hoping you play well and, most of all, enjoy yourself on the golf course.
Until next week, Happy New Year from everyone atTeeTimes.net.
Key: Upscale — $80 and up; Mid-range — $40-$79; Value — Less than $40
Tustin Ranch GC
Tustin, Calif.
From $100
This course offers everything you expect in a high-end experience: A well-designed layout (by Ted Robinson), gorgeous views, terrific conditioning, even private caddie services. Tustin Ranch won’t punish you with length, but it will challenge your strategic thinking and shotmaking skills. Ranked the best course in Orange County, TRGC pioneered and perfected the “country club for a day” concept.
The Duke at Rancho El Dorado
Maricopa, Ariz.
From $40
Scottsdale splendor minus the Scottsdale price tag – that’s the Duke in a nutshell. Golfers of all calibers consider this one of the area’s most fun tracks, thanks to an abundance of risk-reward holes. There’s always a safe line for the timid, while bolder players are tempted to bite on birdie opportunities. The Santa Rosa Wash and surrounding mountains complement the course’s lush green hues.
Red Rock CC, Arroyo Course
Las Vegas, Nev.
From $69
Arnold Palmer’s Arroyo Course stitches together the varied elements of Vegas golf into one seamless whole. Spectacular Red Rock Canyon buffers some holes, while others overlook Sin City itself. Arnie went easy on length (it’s 6,883 yards from the deepest of five tees), but heavy on sand and water hazards. He left lots of room to negotiate the trouble while enjoying the scenery.
Duran GC
Viera, Fla.
From $28
Architect Chip Powell may lack name recognition, but locals rave about his work at Duran GC. Routinely voted tops on the Space Coast, the course is thoughtfully laid out to present a proper test from each set of tees. Powell moved more than a million cubic yards of earth to create naturalistic humps and rolls reminiscent of a seaside links. The wind comes with the territory.