Many people choose to take vacations to play golf. There are many
popular places to go. The south of Portugal and Spain appeal to many
Europeans because of a warmer climate. Scotland appeals to some, as the
"birthplace" of golf, but it is also home to some of the World's finest
links golf courses. But if you look at the professional game, many of
the world's top players live in Florida, or have a home there, so that
they can play and hone their game on some of the finest courses in the
World.
Consider a list of some of the players who have a home in Florida: Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh, Lee Westwood, Luke Donald, Ernie Els, Ian Poulter. The list goes on. So what draws these people to Florida.
Climate: Florida has very mild winters, which means that this is a year round golf destination. It can get a little hot and humid, but golf can be played during the cooler times of day when this is the case.
Outstanding golf courses: This is of course the real reason you are reading this article and it is definitely true. Florida was formally a very large swamp. Over centuries the water has receded, but it has left behind lots of lakes and ponds, which means that many natural features are left behind with which to create golf courses. Also, as Florida is largely a flat state, golf architects have sought to make courses interesting by creating some fascinating undulations. The greens are also usually maintained to an exceptional standard and play very fast due to the hot weather.
All of this leads to some stunningly memorable holes. Think of the iconic 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass with its beautiful island green. Or think of Bay Hill, or in fact any one of the 50 or so championship golf courses situated close to the Walt Disney World Resort in central Florida. OK, I know that TPC Sawgrass is a bit further north and lots of people would not be able to afford to play there. Nevertheless, it conjures up in the mind the types of holes and golf architecture available.
Disney itself has a number of championship golf courses. Many places have tee times which are cheaper if you are willing to play in the heat of the day. But this can easily be borne if you are driving a cart around as you will be offered some shade from the roof whilst in the cart and the breeze while the cart is in motion can also be cooling. It is now easier than ever to pack your clubs and take them with you on planes. So what is to stop you heading to Florida and seeing one of the world's premier golf destinations.
Consider a list of some of the players who have a home in Florida: Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh, Lee Westwood, Luke Donald, Ernie Els, Ian Poulter. The list goes on. So what draws these people to Florida.
Climate: Florida has very mild winters, which means that this is a year round golf destination. It can get a little hot and humid, but golf can be played during the cooler times of day when this is the case.
Outstanding golf courses: This is of course the real reason you are reading this article and it is definitely true. Florida was formally a very large swamp. Over centuries the water has receded, but it has left behind lots of lakes and ponds, which means that many natural features are left behind with which to create golf courses. Also, as Florida is largely a flat state, golf architects have sought to make courses interesting by creating some fascinating undulations. The greens are also usually maintained to an exceptional standard and play very fast due to the hot weather.
All of this leads to some stunningly memorable holes. Think of the iconic 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass with its beautiful island green. Or think of Bay Hill, or in fact any one of the 50 or so championship golf courses situated close to the Walt Disney World Resort in central Florida. OK, I know that TPC Sawgrass is a bit further north and lots of people would not be able to afford to play there. Nevertheless, it conjures up in the mind the types of holes and golf architecture available.
Disney itself has a number of championship golf courses. Many places have tee times which are cheaper if you are willing to play in the heat of the day. But this can easily be borne if you are driving a cart around as you will be offered some shade from the roof whilst in the cart and the breeze while the cart is in motion can also be cooling. It is now easier than ever to pack your clubs and take them with you on planes. So what is to stop you heading to Florida and seeing one of the world's premier golf destinations.
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