Where in the World Is Cori Brett?
May/June 2013
Savvy golfers are waking up to the advantages of nine-hole rounds, especially when those rounds can be played on quality courses. One of my favorite short courses is Northwood Golf Club, in Monte Rio, California. Never heard of it? Dr. Alister MacKenzie designed Northwood in 1928, after sharpening his skills at Cypress Point and Augusta National.
Northwood lies in the cool north Sonoma County wine country, along the Russian River. Sun filters through 150-foot redwood trees that tower over narrow fairways. Errant golf balls ricochet noisily off the redwoods. Sometimes when the fog settles in among the tall trees, it takes on an eerie quality. Northwood is a classic. www.northwoodgolfclub.com
Northwood Golf Club
Many golf resorts offer 27 holes and the opportunity to mix and match three nines. Avid golfers like the expanded playing options. Less interested guests can play just nine holes and still have time to participate in resort activities. When we vacation in Hawaii, I like to play Hawaii Prince Golf Club, located near Honolulu. The straightforward nines – A, B, and C – can be played in several fun combinations, and it’s always in good condition. www.princeresortshawaii.com
9th Hole B-Course Hawaii Prince Golf Club
Industry leader Troon Golf recently introduced a new concept in resort golf, at Troon North Golf Club in Scottsdale. The Monument Express Executive Course was created from the front nine of the Monument Course. It measures 1,578 yards and offers two par options. Tee boxes are set on the fairways of the first nine holes. Tee times start at 3:30 p.m. Kids under 15 years of age playing with an adult are free. www.troonnorthgolf.com
We keep hearing that golf takes too long to play, it’s too difficult, and it’s too expensive. Yet it would seem that if one makes the effort, lots of alternatives are out there, and not only for golfers on vacation. Golf courses and resorts are often generous with discounted rates for local players. Neighborhood courses can provide a great way for families to spend time together, and nine-hole courses fit the bill.
Our family has found one such course which suits us perfectly. Bel Air Greens is a comfortable, friendly, 9-hole course. There are a few lakes and some trees, but nothing that our newest player and our oldest relative can’t both handle. Bel Air Greens is in Palm Springs, which happens to be the mid-point for family gatherings. Nine holes is the only way that we could all play together.
We divide into several foursomes. We give mulligans and putts. Mainly we’re out there just for the fun of being together, in beautiful weather. Bonding naturally occurs. We cheer each other on when we hit a good shot or sink a putt. We’ve watched our niece go from shy beginner – “Don’t watch me!” – to proud junior player -“Did you see that shot?” www.belairgreens.com
If you ever find yourself on the island of Kauai, with time for a quick nine, head over to Kukuiolono Golf Course. A little rough around the edges, and around the greens too, Kukuiolono is a treasure. The panoramic views of the southwest area of Kauai and ocean vistas will take your breath away, while the laid back, no-frills golf experience is easy on the wallet. Kukiolono was originally the private course for sugar king Walter McBryde, who donated it to the people of Kauai in 1919. If you play Kukiolono in the afternoon and end the day watching a spectacular Hawaiian sunset – well, it just doesn’t get any better than that. ALO – HA!
“Escape with Cori” on assignment to exotic and fun golf destinations. First-hand impressions from an experienced golf travel writer and AWGA member. www.coribrett.com. Copyright Cori Brett 2013 – do not copy or cite in whole or in part without permission.
