Life is so much richer for the one day each year when we’re not only permitted but encouraged to indulge on calories, carbs and cranberry sauce. Here are four public-access tracks that best celebrate one of our favorite holidays.
Pilgrim’s Run Pierson, Mich.
$42-$69; pilgrimsrun.com
Those who make the pilgrimage 30 minutes north of Grand Rapids are rewarded with this tranquil, rolling, par-73 design by Kris Schumacker and Mike DeVries that zigzags through oaks and pines. DeVries is a lifelong Alister MacKenzie fan, as evidenced by the bold, jagged-edge bunkering that’s reminiscent of the MacKenzie style. Forbidding hole names, such as “Bottomless Pit” (the 225-yard, par-3 seventh) and “Giant Despair” (the 548-yard, par-5 11th) add character. Turkey Sandwich price: $5.25
Pinehills Plymouth, Mass.
$65-$125; pinehillsgolf.com
Plymouth introduced America to Thanksgiving in 1621, and nearly 400 years later we give thanks to its two finest public-access tracks, Pinehills’ Rees Jones and Jack Nicklaus II courses. Low sand dunes and pine-accented scrub dominate the Jones layout, notably at the downhill 15th. The Nicklaus track is wider and more forgiving around the greens, but sports a rugged, watery par-4 closer. Turkey Sandwich price: $11
The Golf Club at Thanksgiving Point Lehi, Utah
$70-$90; thanksgivingpointgolfclub.com
This scenic 7,714-yard brute is a Johnny Miller creation that enjoys a mountain/desert setting 30 minutes south of Salt Lake City. Imaginatively contoured greens make putting an adventure, although the botanical gardens next door offer colorful comfort. Turkey Sandwich price: $8.25
Wild Turkey at Crystal Springs Resort Sussex County, N.J.
$49-$127; crystalgolfresort.com
Crystal Springs Resort trots out a fistful of terrific tracks, including the festively named Wild Turkey. Thanks are given by those who handle the daunting forced carry over a water-filled rock quarry at the 208-yard, par-3 seventh. Mountain vistas, elevation change and two back-nine par 5s that run 630-650 yards will linger long in memory. Turkey Sandwich price: $15
