3 Golf Courses To Checkout in 2012.

[google1]

Photo by .curt. | Flickr Creative Commons

I don’t hit the links like I used to. In fact, my most recent outing consisted of taking a pitching wedge to the course down the street at dusk and knocking a few balls around. Trust me, that is far cry from teenage summer days of playing 18 holes and then heading home to study classic VHS tapes of PGA champions, like Arnie Palmer, Chi Chi Rodriguez and Greg Norman, to help with my game.

And while I don’t get out much, I still appreciate the game, especially that epic feeling of walking a freshly cut fairway at dawn. Over the last two decades  it seems the sport has grown exponentially (thank you Tiger Woods) and with it so have the costs for greens fees. While there are many places that don’t live up to the cost, there are a few American classics that are worth every penny to play, and these three golf courses below are my picks for the best of 2012.

Torrey Pines Golf Course: North Course

Opening in 1957, Torrey Pines is, in my opinion, one of the greatest courses in America. Ranked #8 in California, this 18 hole regulation course located on the steep bluffs of the Southern California Coast in La Jolla, CA.

Additionally, there is an equally impressive South Course bringing the total holes to 72 at Torrey Pines. One tip, though, if you want sunshine avoid Torrey Pines in May and June due to a heavy marine layer that fills the sky known as May Gray and June Gloom.

The Facts:

• 18 hole regulation length course
• Municipal golf course
• 72 par, 6,647 yards
• 72.1 rating, 129 slope
• Designed by William F. Bell, ASGCA/(R) David Rainville, ASGCA/Stephen Halsey/Jack Daray, Jr.

TPC of Myrtle Beach Golf Course

When is the last time you felt like a Pro? I know its been a while for me too, but now, even in the dead of winter, you can feel like your on the PGA Tour at TPC of Myrtle Beach Golf Course.

Designed by acclaimed architect Tom Fazio, TPC Myrtle Beach has hosted the Senior Tour Championship. Its PGA quality fairways and greens, which are surrounded by huge pine trees and expansive wetlands, will let you test your skills against a course were some of the best in the game have played.

The Facts:

• 18 hole regulation length course
• 72 par, 6,950 yards
• 74.0 rating, 145 slope
• Designed by Thomas Fazio, ASGCA/Tom Watkins

Augusta National Golf Club

Yes, you may have heard of this course, it is where The Masters is played and it is one of the most famous golf clubs in the world. Opening in 1933, Augusta National Golf Club is a challenging 18 hole regulation course in Augusta, GA.

Unfortunately, the real challenge of Augusta is just being allowed to play on it. The course is closed to the public and only members and PGA Tour players who are invited for The Masters have the right to play here. Though, there are some loop holes like caddy days and employee days, so if you are up for a challenge, you may just want to give Augusta a try.

The Facts:

• 18 hole regulation length course
• 72 par, 7,270 yards
• 74.0 rating, 135 slope
• Designed by Alister MacKenzie/Robert Trent Jones, Jr., ASGCA

Have you ever played on or visited any of these courses? If so, we’d love to hear about in the comments below!

*Get the first glimpse of our new travel photos & posts! Subscribe by email and get new travel articles delivered straight to your inbox:

Or add us to your favorite feed reader by clicking the orange icon! 

*Please remember all photos on this website, unless otherwise noted, are copyrighted and property of Beers and Beans Travel Website, Nariko’ s Nest Weddings & Bethany Salvon. Please do not use them without my permission. If you do want to use one of them please contact me first because I do love to share and I would be flattered. Thanks!