I grew up in Western New York, where I was fortunate to have access to some outstanding golf courses, both public and private. Over the years, I had the opportunity to play a wide variety of them. As my career shifted into teaching, I became even more fortunate to teach at some of the finest golf clubs in the country.
Recently, I traveled with my son to Upstate New York for a U.S. Junior Amateur qualifier at Beaver Meadows, just outside Syracuse. The experience reminded me once again why I enjoy travel and public golf so much.
Although Beaver Meadows is a private club, it has some of the friendliest members you could ever hope to meet. Their hospitality was genuine, welcoming, and contagious — exactly the kind of experience that makes golf travel so memorable.
The experience inspired me to put together a list of reasons I love traveling and discovering new golf courses.
1. Finding hidden gems
One of the best parts of traveling to play golf is finding courses you may have never heard of. That sense of discovery makes every trip more rewarding.
We experienced this throughout Ireland and Scotland. Having a little extra time and a willingness to explore led us to some of our favorite golf memories.
On one trip, my son and I had a 6:00 p.m. tee time at Royal Dornoch, so we decided to explore the northern tip of Scotland and ended up at Durness Golf Club. It turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip.
The course itself was incredible, but what made it truly special was the welcome we received. The club’s hostess actually waited for us to arrive so she could greet us personally. That kind of hospitality is hard to forget. Between the spectacular golf, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable drive, Durness is a place I would recommend to anyone traveling through the Highlands.
2. A chance to relax
Another thing I enjoy about public golf is the overall atmosphere. While you should always respect the course and follow the rules, many public facilities simply feel a little more relaxed.
Sometimes it’s nice to wear sneakers instead of golf shoes or play a casual round without worrying about every little detail of club etiquette. If you’re accustomed to playing at traditional private clubs, that change of pace can be refreshing.
One thing I’ve consistently noticed at public and resort courses is the pride people take in their clubs.
That was certainly the case at Beaver Meadows. The members couldn’t have been more welcoming. They happily offered course advice when we asked and genuinely enjoyed hosting the players competing in the qualifier. One gentleman even handed my son his personal green book to use during the tournament. It was an incredibly thoughtful gesture and one we’ll always remember.
Whenever you travel to play golf, take the time to talk with the people at the course. Those conversations often become some of the best memories from the trip.
4. Learning to adapt
Travel golf also challenges you to adjust to different playing conditions, and that’s one of the best ways to improve your game.
Every course presents something different — grass types, green speeds, bunker conditions, elevation changes, and weather all require adjustments.
Bunkers are a great example. Sand can vary dramatically from course to course. Before hitting your shot, take a moment to feel the texture and depth with your feet. Firm, packed sand requires a different technique than soft, fluffy sand, and learning to recognize those differences will make you a better player.
5.Meeting new people
Unless you’re traveling with a complete foursome, there’s a good chance you’ll be paired with other golfers. While that can seem intimidating at first, I’ve found it almost always makes the experience better.
Over the years, every group I’ve joined — or every player who has joined ours — has added something positive to the day. Some players are better than others, but that’s never really mattered. As long as everyone keeps pace and enjoys the game, it usually turns into a memorable round.
If you’ve been hesitant about being paired with strangers, I’d encourage you to give it a try. You may be surprised by how enjoyable it is. Golf has a unique way of bringing people together, and meeting new people is one more reason travel golf is such a rewarding experience.
