With golf course construction having slowed to a trickle, renovations of existing tracks are getting more attention than ever – especially when the remodeling involves a high-profile property.

Case in point: The venerable La Costa Resort in Carlsbad, Calif., former host to the PGA Tour’s Tournament of Champions. Its two Dick Wilson-designed courses, the Champions and South, were refurbished by the crack team of Damian Pascuzzo, Jeff Brauer and Steve Pate, earning a spot among LINKSMagazine’s Top 5 Renovations of 2011.

The architects overhauled many of Wilson’s massive fairway bunkers to restore their visual impact, and moved others to ramp up the risk-reward quotient. They also installed a set of “family tees” to attract those traveling with young golfers.

Of course, some things never go out of style – like the great discounts offered at hundreds of award-winning resorts and daily-fee facilities at TeeTimes.net. Check out this week’s featured foursome below.

Until next week, hit ’em long and straight.

If there’s a course, resort or region you’d like to see featured in a future newsletter, drop us a line and we’ll make sure to include it!
Key: Upscale — $80 and up; Mid-range — $40-$79; Value — Less than $40
Featured Course:Value

IMG Academies G&CC 
Bradenton, Fla.
From $35Gene Bates remodeled the original El Conquistador CC into a genuine Southwest Florida gem. A thought-provoking trek winding through pines and ponds, the course is the home track for students at the famous IMG Academies. Their ranks have included Paula Creamer, Michelle Wie and Sean O’Hair, so you know the golf course is first-rate.

Featured Course:UpscaleLaughlin Ranch GC 
Bullhead City, Ariz.
From $94

Lying just inside the Arizona border, this spectacularly scenic course is an easy drive south from La Vegas and well worth the effort. Designer David Druzisky laid down expansive fairways that leave room for golfers – and their eyes – to roam. Laughlin Ranch is more than one big photo op, though; it’s a solid test from any of its five tee sets.

 

  

Featured Course: Mid-rangeGrey Rock GC 
Austin, Tex.
From $50

This Hill Country beauty stands as an ode to the oak. Hundreds of the majestic trees line Grey Rock’s fairways, though architect Jay Morrish was kind enough to clear wide paths around them. Trees carry the day, but five lakes, a marsh and plentiful bunkers have their say as well. The course is just 15 minutes from downtown Austin and a must-play, period.
Featured Course:Value

IMG Academies G&CC 
Bradenton, Fla.
From $35

Gene Bates remodeled the original El Conquistador CC into a genuine Southwest Florida gem. A thought-provoking trek winding through pines and ponds, the course is the home track for students at the famous IMG Academies. Their ranks have included Paula Creamer, Michelle Wie and Sean O’Hair, so you know the golf course is first-rate.