Drivetime Golf Destinations

BY NEG STAFF

THE MID-ATLANTIC REGION consists in broad terms as the states between the Northeastern and Southeastern coastlines of our country. It is one of the most populated sections in the United States including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. It is blessed with some of the oldest and most prestigious golf courses and resorts in the country and the highest concentration of golf course facilities. It is a region that spans along the Appalachian Mountains north to south and east to some of the most pristine coastal communities in North America. The Mid-Atlantic is home to many of the early historic classic golf courses and resorts as well as a multitude of iconic designs by many of the greatest architects in the world.

It is where golf began in our country and where it has grown and thrived for well over 100 years.

The climate in the region is generally mild, and although snowfalls are common in many states in this sector, snow coverage for any length of time is very rare. For the most part, winters are mild and both spring and fall have extended playing seasons beyond their prime summer months. For golf vacations, many of the courses and resorts are open year-round and great rates abound in shoulder seasons. There is a wide array of choices for golf both inland and along the coastlines with woodland courses, parkland courses, and seaside links golf as well. From New York to the Virginias there is an abundance of golf resorts and golf courses to play, making for great road trips from the Northeast and the upper Midwest.

The best advantage of “Drive Time” golf vacations is that your group has complete flexibility in schedules and destinations. Combining multiple stay-and-play locations in one trip is easy and makes sense. For example, you could play Atlantic City Golf and the Valley Forge area or Crystal Springs Resort in New Jersey for a few days or even combine all three. The same is true for Ocean City and Rehoboth Beach, Maryland. In Virginia, Kingsmill, Williamsburg, Keswick Hall, Primland and Omni Homestead all work together well in one trip. For couples, foursomes, or larger groups the possibilities are endless. The great thing about drive-time golf vacations is the ability to alter locations, timelines, and overall plans. This provides unlimited choices not restricted by flight schedules and airport delays.

Here are a few of our favorite locations that offer some of the very best golf in the Mid-Atlantic. Now is the time to plan your next great golf adventure. Every journey begins with the first step, begin your plan today.

Atlantic City, New Jersey

Atlantic City’s attractions for gamblers and nightlife lovers need no introduction, and there’s plenty of golf down the Jersey Shore. Atlantic City Country Club, one of America’s oldest and most prolific golf clubs which opened in 1897, is a must-play. Play Blue Heron Pines, Twisted Dunes, and Brigantine for some of the best golf along the Jersey Shore. Vineyard National Golf Course at the 150-year-old Renault Winery is a solid option with a boutique hotel on site. Ballamor Golf Club and McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links are fantastic as well. www.atlanticcitynj.com

Seaview Galloway, New Jersey

Eight miles north of Atlantic City, an hour east of Philadelphia, and situated on 670 pine-covered and coastal acres in southern New Jersey is the historic Seaview Resort and Golf Club which opened as a private golf club in 1914. Financier and Utilities

Executive, Clarence Geist, built a huge and lavish clubhouse with 296 rooms and 16 suites. Home of the 1942 PGA Championship, won by Sam Snead, and the home of the LPGA ShopRite Classic, both their Bay Course and Pines Course are spectacular. www.seaviewgolf.com

Crystal Springs, New Jersey

As the Northeast’s leading golf destination, the lush fairways and pristine greens of Crystal Springs Resort are an undeniable golfers’ paradise. Designed by such notable links luminaries as Robert von Hagge, Robert Trent Jones, George Fazio, and Roger Rulewich, the resort’s six impressive championship-caliber courses wind through the picturesque Appalachian Mountains. The Celtic links-style Ballyowen Course is rated the #1 public golf course in the state. The 250-room Grand Cascades Lodge and the 175-room Minerals Hotel offer great golf packages. www.crystalgolfresort.com

Montco Golf

Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

Northwest of Philadelphia you will find one of the most golf-rich regions in the Northeast, Valley Forge with over 50 public and private golf courses, luxurious amenities, and great dining options. as well. Play Ravens Claw, Jeffersonville Golf Course, Westover, Bluestone, and Gulph Mills. There are a multitude of great courses here, both historic and new designs. There are unlimit-

RESORTS BY REGION MID-ATLANTIC

ed packages available. In the fall, find great options for NFL games & golf. www.valleyforge.org

Nemacolin Resort Farmington,Pennsylvania

Located about 65 miles southwest of Pittsburg, Nemacolin is a full-service 2,200-acre resort that has hosted PGA Tour Events. There are 36 holes of Championship golf here by Pete Dye. The 15-year-old Mystic Rock 18 and the recently opened Shepherd’s Rock course were both designed by the legendary Pete Dye and his longtime associate Tim Liddy. The Pennsylvania resort, established on an old hunting/fishing ground in 1987 by 84 Lumber Company founder, Joe Hardy, is a more family-friendly, relaxed, and refined facility with a small casino for the gaming golfers. www.nemacolin.com

Hershey Lodge Golf Resort Hershey, Pennsylvania

Chocolate baron Milton Hershey opened Hershey Lodge in 1930 in a legendary setting that Ben Hogan and Henry Picard called home. The facility is ranked in the “Top 50 Golf Resorts” by many. The West Course designed by Maurice McCarthy opened in 1930 and the East Course designed by George Fazio in 1969 are a great test of the game. The East Course plays over 7000 yards with a slope of 141 and is fabulous. There is also an excellent 9-hole junior course at the resort. There are over 600 rooms & suites with great golf packages. www.hersheylodge.com

Omni Bedford Springs Bedford, Pennsylvania

The resort’s Old Course, built in 1895, had separate remodels done by A.W. Tillinghast and Donald Ross. Ron Forse, who specializes in renovations, restored many Ross features in a redesign about 10 years ago. Omni Bedford Springs is located a few hours from Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C. in the Cumberland Valley of the Allegheny Mountains, the 225-year-old resort was purchased by the Omni group and redesigned over 10 years ago. The Old Course has been ranked #2 in Pennsylvania and the resort offers spectacular facilities and amenities in the heart of the Alleghenies. www.omnihotels.com

Ocean City, Maryland & Rehoboth Beach, Delaware www.visitmaryland.org/list/golf

Home to countless golf packages along the bayfront links will leave you wanting more. Eagles Landing, River Run, Rum Pointe, Nutters Crossing, Glen Riddle, Newport Bay, and Links at Lighthouse Sound are just a few. Endless choices for great accommodations, restaurants, and lots of things to do besides golf. Ocean City golf offers unmatched scenery, great courses and conditions as well. The Links at Lighthouse Sound, opened in 2000, is home to the longest golf cart bridge in the country stretching nearly 1500 feet. Visit Rehoboth Beach and play King’s Creek, Rehoboth Beach Country Club, and Old Landing Golf Course.

The Greenbrier White Sulfur Springs, West Virginia

Considered to be America’s Resort, it has welcomed guests since 1778 and has hosted 27 of 45 U.S. Presidents. The Greenbrier course was designed by Seth Raynor, a close associate of Charles Blair Macdonald and one of the great architects of early American golf; it opened for play in 1924. It was later redesigned in 1977 by Jack Nicklaus for the 1979 Ryder Cup. In 1994, The Greenbrier would also play host to the Solheim Cup. The course was also home to the Greenbrier American Express Championship, a PGA

TOUR Champions event, from 1985 through 1987. Visit the Vault under the resort where government bunkers were constructed. www.greenbrier.com

Primland

Meadows of Dan, Virginia aubergeresorts.com/primland/

Primland is a 12,000-acre resort located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwestern Virginia offering world-class golf showcasing breathtaking mountain views at every turn. The Highland Course at Primland melds seamlessly with the natural landscape to offer players of all skill levels the challenge they desire. Opened in 2006 by renowned golf course architect, Donald Steel, the 18-hole course recently ranked No. 4 in Virginia (Golf Digest) and No. 2 in Virginia (Golfweek). With the Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop, Primland Resort offers world-class golf and vast amenities as the number one rated resort in the southeast by Conde Nast Traveler.

RESORTS BY REGION MID-ATLANTIC

Omni Homestead

Hot Springs, Virginia

Experience the southern hospitality and elegant charm that have made this Virginia mountain resort a premier destination for 23 U.S. presidents. Located across more than 2,000 acres of scenic Virginia landscape and two of the best golf courses in Virginia. The Old Course and the Cascades Course are consistently ranked among the finest Virginia golf courses. The Old Course, which opened in 1892 as a six-hole course was later expanded to nine holes in 1898. The famed golf course designer, Donald Ross, expanded the course to 18 holes in 1913. The Cascades Course designed by legendary architect William S. Flynn is rated one of the top 100 golf courses in America. www.omnihotels.com/hotels/homestead

Kingsmill Resort

Williamsburg, Virginia

Kingsmill offers stays in guest rooms, condo cottages, and estate homes. There are two renowned 18-hole golf courses, the River Course designed by Pete Dye in 1974, and The Plantation Course designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay. Top nearby courses include the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club, Stonehouse Golf Club, Kiskiac Golf Club and Williamsburg National. Numerous golf packages are offered in this historic region of our country. www.kingsmill.com

Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia www.colonialwilliamsburg.org

Not only is Williamsburg a magnet for American history buffs, but it also holds great appeal for golfers as well. Kingsmill Resort’s Pete Dye-designed River Course is a former PGA and current LPGA Tour stop, and its Arnold Palmer-designed Plantation Course is amazing as well. Another strong resort property in town is Golden Horseshoe, whose Green and Gold courses were originally designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. Play Royal New Kent Golf Club and Stonehouse Golf Club, The Club at Viniterra.

Montgomery County, PA is proud to welcome the ING to the Valley Forge Casino Resort & Raven’s Claw Golf Club this spring! Home to 50 of the most historic and topranked courses in the country, 80 hotels, incredible attractions, and delicious dining, Montco is a true golf destination.

50+ Golf Courses

80+ Hotels

1,600 Restaurants

30+ Breweries, Distilleries & Wineries

BY GREG SAMPSON

FOOTJOY

1 Light Lisle Stripe Collar Shirt $85

2 Navy Performance Lightweight Short $75

3 Tech D.R.Y. Roll Tab Sock $15

4 Navy Woven Golf Belt $50 www.footjoy.com

Features a Light Stripe Lisle golf shirt from the Key West Collection. The collection gives a nod to timeless menswear such as chambray shirts and chinos, utilizing the modern classic look of True Blue, Navy, White, and Almond as an accent. The shirt is paired with a Navy Performance Lightweight Short. These shorts come in a number of different colors and patterns in a variety of styles and performance fabrics. Rounding out the outfit is our new Tech D.R.Y. Roll Tab Sock and Navy Woven Golf Belt. Tech D.R.Y. socks are made from dynamic recycled yarns, designed to provide advanced comfort and compressions for both on and off the course.

FOOTJOY

1 Black Half-Zip Jersey Vest $85

2 Inseam Knit Shorts 9” Inseam $75

3 Solid Lisle Set on Placket Shirt $69

4 Tech D.R.Y. Roll Tab Sock $15

5 Black Woven Golf Belt $50 www.footjoy.com

The complete outfit comes from the Essentials line, which offers a range of shirts and bottoms that complement our fashion collections with a variety of new styles, construction and color options in Traditional and Athletic Fits. Prints and patterns continue to be a trend, the lisle golf shirt features a fun painted floral pattern, paired with a Black Half-Zip Jersey Vest and a 9” Inseam Knit Short. Rounding out the outfit is our new Tech D.R.Y. Roll Tab Sock and Black Woven Golf Belt. Tech D.R.Y. socks are made from dynamic recycled yarns, designed to provide advanced comfort and compressions for both on and off the course.

CON.STRUCT

1 Tropical Leaf Performance Polo $78

2 Solid Performance Drawstring Shorts $78 www.conxstruct.com

This standout performance polo is designed in a recycled 4-way stretch fabric - added comfort without compromising the planet! Hit the greens in this highperformance polo enhanced with quick-dry wicking and UV 50+ protection properties. With CON.STRUCT’s affinity for mixing and matching prints, the tropical leaf print is perfect for the spring, summer and all your vacation moves! Pair the polo with these navy drawstring shorts, also made with 4-way stretch fabric, quick-dry and UV 50+ protection properties.

Radmor

New Beginnings Collection: Taylor Recycled Floral DripSnow White $115 | Colton 1/4 Zip Block PiqueSnow White/Cloudy Blue $135 | www.radmor. com

The Spring 2023 New Beginnings Collection features new colors, styles, patterns and materials with the same unwavering commitment to sustainability in golf fashion. New Beginnings, available in men’s and women’s capsules, leans hard into the new golf season with vibrant color pops of True Blue, Wisteria, Glacier and Cloudy Blue. The men’s line is highlighted by a host of new polos, including the Taylor Recycled Floral Drip and Colton ¼ Zips in an array of new colors and patterns. They’re ready for crisp mornings and late afternoons on the course.

CON.STRUCT

3 Solid Performance Polo $78

4 Flight Performance Shorts $88 www.conxstruct.com

This coral performance polo is your perfect spring & summer polo! The printed inner placket is a beautiful, subtle nod to CON.STRUCT’s love for play and prints. The polo is designed in recycled 4-way stretch fabric with quick-dry wicking and UV 50+ protection properties for high performance, ease of movement and added comfort. The slim fit shorts are made with 4-way stretch fabric to merge form with function.

PXG Comfort Fit Saguaro Polo $125 | Slim Trouser Pants $165 | www.pxg.com

The PXG Spring 2023 Collection is centered around reimagined golf essentials. The collection features three new technical fabrics, updated silhouettes and the introduction of bold, neon colors.

Featured is an intricately designed print with unparalleled comfort and performance-ready features. The Men’s Comfort Fit Saguaro Polo checks all the boxes, and then some. The moisturewicking fabric offers quick-dry and UV protection functionality, with perforated color block sleeves for enhanced air flow. It features a Sharp Cactus print in a unique pattern with a large PXG logo “hidden” on the body. You can’t play without pants, guys. Therefore, a top choice should be the very sharp, slightly tapered Men’s Slim Trouser Pants by PXG. They look great and with moisture-wicking and UV protection, they’re perfect for the golf course or anywhere else you play.

APPAREL & ACCESSORIES SPRING & SUMMER

Untuckit

Wrinkle-Free Damaschino PoloBright Red $78

Traveler Shorts - Black $78 www.untuckit.com

You won’t find an easier shirt to wear on or off the course then the UNTUCKit Wrinkle-Free Polo. Made from 100% breathable cotton, this style comes out of the dryer fresh and ready to wear—perfect for your busy schedule. It’s soft knit construction, breezy short sleeves, and ribbed collar make it an essential style for warm, sunny days. Pair it with anything from our laid-back Travelers Shorts to dressier Chino Pants for an instantly polished look. The Traveler Shorts are made with a quick-drying, wrinkle-fighting fabric. Rain or shine, the waterrepellent finish and two-way stretch will help you look sharp and feel comfortable all day long.

Nathan

Summit Polarized Running Sunglasses $60 www.nathansports.com

Nathan’s polarized sunglasses offer performance features that are great for everything from travel to running a marathon to hitting the links. They’re built with injection-molded polycarbonate lenses, meaning that the polarization film is embedded inside the lens, as opposed to on top where it’s easily scratched off. Complete with grip technology and a durable frame, these glasses can keep up with you on all your adventures. The Summit features a Clear-Gray Frame with Gray Smoke Lens.

Tifosi

Track - Tortoise Polarized $25-60 www.tifosi.com

Track polarized is the newest edition to the Track series! The polarized polycarbonate lenses are both shatterproof and glarereducing. Available in seven colorways they all feature the never-slip grip from the hydrophilic rubber ear and nose pieces that provide comfort and an anti-bounce fit that stays on no matter what track you choose in life. Perfect for those extra sunny days on the green.

Revo

Sonic 2 Revo Black $380 | www.revo.com

The cutting edge Revo Black Sonic series expands with a signature sport wrap frame. Immerse yourself in sight and sound while tracking your health and fitness with Sonic 2. Equipped with state of the art RevoWhisper™ technology that cancels out ambient noise while enhancing your speech and our industryleading Light Management System™, the Sonic 2 frame allows you to listen to music, take calls on the go and track your health with the Revo app (optional add-on) all while enjoying the Best Lens on Earth. Directional stereo speakers also allow you to enjoy music on the move without interruption. Sonic 2’s unrivaled battery life gives you 11 hours’ worth of nonstop music or 8 hours of phone calls. This lightweight frame features easy magnetic chargingperfect for people on the go; temples with retainer cord capability, and adjustable end tips that can straighten or bend for optimal comfort. The ultimate in glare reduction, the Blue Water lens features the Revo signature polarized gray-based, blue mirror coated lens. Ideal for bright, sunny days on the course.