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Fly-In Golf Destinations: 11 Sweet Spots To Keep You Swinging All Year Round
by Carrie Miner
 Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Sunny Kiawah Island has long been a resort destination for adventurous families and sports enthusiasts. World-renowned for its 10-mile stretch of white sandy beach, championship golf courses and award-winning tennis, Kiawah Island is perfect for families seeking fun in the sun and a seaside setting for the perfect par.
At Kiawah Island Golf Resort, golfers can choose from five golf courses including the famous Ocean Course, which is acclaimed as the site of the dramatic “War by the Shore” during the 1991 Ryder Cup battle when Bernard Langer dramatically won notoriety for his one-point victory.
Turtle Point also partially runs along the Atlantic Coast and is known to have consistently changing yardage due to the whims of coastal winds. Osprey Point features lakes, saltwater marshes and maritime forests in its design, while Oak Point is known as a Scottish-American style course. The newest addition, Cougar Point, is known for panoramic views of the Kiawah River and bordering tidal marsh.
Other island activities include sunset strolls along the pristine beach, lounging in one of the resort’s three pools, ocean or marsh kayaking, signature spa treatments, biking along the islands 30 miles of trails, world-class tennis and both opulent and casual dining.
Airport: Charleston Executive Airport [KJZI]
Golf: Five 18-hole golf courses and the Kiawah Island Golf Academy.
Other Attractions: Beaches, three swimming pool complexes, tennis, kayaking, canoeing, nature tours, biking, shopping and The
Sanctuary.
Dining: Nine restaurants and two bars.
Accommodations: 255 rooms, 500 villas
and 90 homes
Contact: 800.576.1570; www.kiawahresort.com.
Pinehurst Resort
Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina
Time slows down at the gold medal Pinehurst Resort, where southern hospitality only adds to charm of the resort’s eight world-class golf courses.
Since it opened in 1898, Pinehurst Resort has played host to such legendary champions as Jack Nicklaus and Payne Stewart. It is also the site of more championships than any other golf course in the country.
However, the courses at Pinehurst don’t bother with labels – opting instead for sophisticated simplicity.
Courses 1, 2 and 3 were designed as classic Donald Ross layouts perfect for long plays and strategic cunning. Tom Fazio redesigned Course 4 as a tribute to Pinehurst and will host the 2008 U.S. Amateur. Water hazards reign on Course 5, the championship design of Course 6 recently reopened with renovations directed by Tom Fazio, Course 7 features bold drama with its rugged landforms and hazardous wetlands, and Course 8 incorporates Nature’s best with sloping greens and false fronts.
And for a total golf experience, on-course instruction with pros at the Golf Advantage School will take you to the top of your game.
Airport: Moore County Airport [KSOP]
Golf: Eight 18-hole golf courses and the Golf Advantage School.
Other Attractions: The Spa at Pinehurst, tennis, croquet, lawn bowling course, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, volleyball, two outdoor swimming pools, historic walking tours and carriage rides.
Dining: Six restaurants, a Scottish pub and
a lounge.
Accommodations: 332 rooms, 15 suites,
40 four-bedroom villas, and 80 one, two,
and three-bedroom condominiums.
Contact: 910.295.6811 or 800.487.4653; www.pinehurst.com.
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