Five weekend getaways to rekindle your golf flame

Has golf become a grind? Tired of the same old? Got an itch that needs scratching? Here’s a fivesome to restore your passion for golf.

Challenge
In the mid-1980s, Grand Traverse Resort developer Paul Nine brought Jack Nicklaus to Traverse City to build the toughest course in Michigan. Even with some softening since, the Bear Course remains a beast, with terraced fairways, moguls, pot bunkers and tiered greens demanding power and precision. It’s inspiration to find your A-game.

Tranquility
A five-hour drive to the Nebraska Sandhills from the nearest big airport, The Prairie Club is true serenity. Daytime brings the vast grandeur of its Dunes and Pines courses; at night, the sky is so dark that astronomy buffs bring telescopes to the area every summer to study the heavens during the Nebraska Star Party.

Mountains
What is it about The Broadmoor that makes us so giddy? The lighter air and longer hang time on drives struck at 6,000 feet? Donald Ross’ original, century-old drawings of the East Course that line the clubhouse wall? The fresh trout at Restaurant 1858, at the base of Seven Falls? The perennial five-star service? Yes.

Deserts
An ancient setting for our ancient game. From stirring Pinnacle Peak views to the striking rock “monument” obstacle on Monument Course’s third hole, Troon North Golf Club remains a must for sand- and cactus-addled swingers.

Shotmaking
Bored of mindlessly blasting straight away? There’s a simple cure for simplistic golf: Pete Dye’s small, strategic masterpiece, Harbour Town Golf Links, at Hilton Head Island’s Sea Pines Resort. Narrow corridors, serpentine fairways and tiny greens all conspire to bring thinking and, yes, working your golf ball, back into play.

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