Off the Beaten Cart Path: Hidden Golf Gems

Pudding Ridge (NC)

by Craig Distl, Founder & Special Correspondent

While chasing American forces across the Carolina countryside during the Revolutionary War, British Lord Charles Cornwallis came upon a swath of thick mud. It so reminded him of British pudding that Cornwallis dubbed the area Pudding Ridge.

The name stuck, and 200-plus years later Pudding Ridge Golf Club opened on that very site, just

River Islands Golf Club (TN)

by LARRY GAVRICH

OTBCP Guest Blogger

A golf course in a town named Kodak should be picturesque, and River Islands Golf Club doesn’t disappoint. The “River” is the French Broad, and aside from providing excellent shot-making opportunities and dramatic water views, it must be the source of some pretty bad puns.

No, the river isn’t named for Marie Antoinette or Brigitte Bardot (see, I warned you); actually, the term “Broad”

Garland Resort (MI)

by Craig Distl, Founder & Special Correspondent

Golf resorts come in all sizes and styles. If you visit enough, you realize it's hard to bring everything together coherently. Either they have too many amenities and are spread out, or they simply don't offer enough of what you're looking for. Some are just plain stuffy, while others don't grasp the concept of customer service.

It's refreshing to find a place that has it all. Garland Resort in northern Michigan is one such place. Garland is remote,

Belleview Biltmore (FL)

by Craig Distl, Founder & Special CorrespondentB

elleview Biltmore Golf Club is tucked in the upper class community of Belleair, Fla., away from the bustle of nearby Tampa and St. Pete. Belleair's neighborhoods are neatly maintained. Streets are lined with long, towering palm trees that create a peaceful, relaxed setting in which driving to the course is almost as much fun as playing it.

Donald Ross, the legendary architect, crafted a superb design at the Belleview Biltmore in 1925. And

Boscobel Golf Club (SC)

by Craig Distl, Founder & Special Correspondent

Seek and ye shall find. Even on Christmas Eve.

Last December, while with the family in South Carolina, I decided to slip away and walk 18 holes. My target was Clemson University's Walker Course. Unfortunately it was closed. I asked a man being walked by his dog if knew anything nearby. A non-golfer, he thought there was a course off Hwy. 76 in Pendleton. Said it had a funny name.

He was sure enough right. It has a name George Costanza would love -- Boscobel Golf Club. Turns

Gullane Golf Club (UK)

by Craig Distl, Founder & Special Correspondent

The No. 1 course at Gullane Golf Club in Scotland is links golf at its purest. It doesn't get much publicity, often hidden in the shadow of its famous neighbor, Muirfield. American golfers rarely stumble across this treasure, which is unfortunate.

I thoroughly enjoyed Gullane No. 1 during a 2004 visit. Just as enjoyable was seeing buddies Bryan and Scott play their first round in Scotland. Like most great Scottish courses, Gullane (pronounced 'gullen') plays along the sea, though that's not evident until cresting a large hill behind the second green.

Brierwood Golf Club (NC)

The oldest course in Brunswick County, N.C., is getting a facelift by new superintendent Don Tew. Tew is bringing conditions back up to par at Brierwood Golf Club, at the north end of Myrtle Beach's Grand Strand.

Built in 1967, the course had grown tired in recent years. I know Brierwood because my parents live

The Jewel (MI)

by Craig Distl, Founder & Special Correspondent

The Jewel is the only golf course in the world requiring a horse-drawn carriage ride from the front nine to the back. Toss in the fact it must be accessed by ferry, and it's a perfect example of a course off the beaten cart path.

I stumbled across The Jewel while attending a writers conference on Mackinac Island, Michigan. The front nine (or Grand Nine) was built in 1901, three years after island residents lobbied state legislators to ban automobiles. That ban remains today, though golf carts are used on the course.

Primm Valley (NV)

Renowned architect Tom Fazio created two gorgeous courses in the middle of the desert at Primm Valley Golf Club, about 45 miles west of Las Vegas. The courses are actually just across the state line in California, but have an address from Primm, Nev., population less than 500.

So why would one of the world's best architects build in a tiny town off the beaten path? Well, the story goes like this ...

Kissimmee Golf Club (FL)

by Craig Distl, Founder & Special Correspondent

Wandering aimlessly in Florida a couple of years ago, I cruised into Orlando with Christmas just around the corner. I decided to play 18 holes that day and go to the Tangerine Bowl (NC State vs. Kansas) that evening.

After checking a couple nice courses (including Metro West), I found it was peak season and rates were high. So I diverted off the beaten cart path to Kissimmee Golf Club, and was glad I did.