Author: David Theoret

The state of Tennessee has several big cities, each with its fair share of upscale daily fee golf courses, private clubs, and resorts. But it’s the small town of Crossville, with a population of less than 15,000,  that is recognized as “The Golf Capital of Tennessee.” Crossville is located in Cumberland County, up on the Cumberland Plateau. It’s right off I-40, two hours east of Nashville, and about an hour west of Knoxville. Crossville garnered this distinction because of the high concentration of championship courses, a wide variety of layouts suitable for all skill levels, and a mild, year-round climate.…

In the 1990s, golf’s popularity flourished. The “Tiger “effect was in full bloom, dramatically changing the game’s demographics as the younger crowd began to see golf in a whole new way. Media coverage increased as new digital platforms emerged. Golf equipment was quickly evolving. Manufacturers were using lighter yet stronger graphite shafts and titanium clubheads to increase swing speeds and add distance. Resorts in the planning stages began including golf courses and training facilities. Golf courses were popping up in new “master-planned” communities, which linked the game to an upscale lifestyle and social status. Robert “Rab” Summers has been in…

When it comes to choosing where to tee it up for your next round of golf in the Miami area, golfers have a lot to choose from. There are over 40 public and private courses in Miami-Dade County alone, making it one of the most golf-rich counties in the state. The County itself operates 6 golf courses at five properties. I recently had the opportunity to play what many consider the County’s top two courses, Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne and Palmetto Golf Course. Palmetto has been a Miami favorite since 1959. You’ll find golfers of all levels and abilities…

Kingsmill Resort is located in Williamsburg, VA, a town best known for its rich colonial history and ties to the Revolutionary War. It’s home to Colonial Williamsburg, the world’s largest living history museum, which recreates 18th-century life. It’s also the home of Kingsmill Resort, built in the 1970s by Anheuser-Busch as part of their development of diversified activities in the Williamsburg area. The Busch Gardens amusement park is right next door. Kingsmill Resort has the distinction of being the only AAA Four Diamond Condominium Resort in Williamsburg. Kingsmill Resort sits on a 2,900-acre tract of land along the historic James River, which was…

Thinking about moving or relocating to Texas? Whether your joy comes from hiking, biking, fishing, racquet sports, or golf, a community in the Texas Hill Country deserves your consideration. Nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Comanche Trace is located just minutes from the thriving town of Kerrville. The airports in San Antonio and Austin are an hour and two hours away, respectively. Kerrville has small-town charm with an abundance of amenities, including award-winning health care, upscale shopping, a vibrant cultural arts center, and a variety of outdoor activities. Comanche Trace is a 1,300-acre master-planned community with homesites up…

Wisp Resort, located in McHenry, is situated in the Alleghany Mountains of Western Maryland. Wisp is Maryland’s premier year-round resort with skiing and snowboarding on 33 trails spread over 170 acres in the winter and a myriad of activities in the summer: escape games, a mountain coaster, miniature golf, indoor swimming pools, and a lot of other family-fun activities. It’s also the home of two championship golf courses. Fantasy Valley was designed by golf course architect Dominic Palombo, Jr, in 1980 and renovated by Todd Schroeder in 2008. Fantasy Valley has been named as a “100 Must-Play Courses of the…

Growing up, Joe Penland, Jr. and his family spent many summers at Lake Sam Rayburn and the Rayburn Country Resort – although it wasn’t called that back then. Penland has many fond memories of those family visits to the resort, to the extent that he now calls Rayburn Country home. Back in 2020, the resort was in serious financial trouble and closed. Penland saw a business opportunity and stepped in, bought the resort, lock, stock, and barrel, and began making improvements right away. He wants to ensure that the property remains viable for generations to come. Several months later, the…

About an hour from Dallas’ north suburbs and less than three hours south of Oklahoma City, you’ll find Tanglewood Golf Resort. Tanglewood is located in Pottsboro, TX, on Lake Texoma, and is a recreation-lover’s paradise. Tanglewood boasts an array of world-class amenities and activities, and is a welcome retreat for those seeking to get away and enjoy a blend of luxury, natural beauty, and tranquility. As a guest at Tanglewood Resort, you’ll have a variety of premier accommodations.  Choose from guest rooms with beautiful views of Lake Texoma or villas that are spacious and fully equipped with all the trappings of…

Elwood Golf Links in Elwood, Indiana, is considered one of the most picturesque and challenging golf courses in these parts of the state. If you’ve never played here, you’ll probably pass it on your way into town. It’s also won a lot of praise from the golf industry media over the years, including Top 25 Friendliest Courses in the U.S. and Top 25 Value Courses in the U.S. in 2022, and Top Courses in Indiana and Top 25 Courses for Pace of Play in the U.S. in 2023,  by Golf Advisor. It’s also the home course of the Elwood Panthers, the local…

Florida’s Forgotten Coast is an area of the state that stretches from Mexico Beach on the Gulf of America to St. Marks on Apalachee Bay. The area is sparsely populated and still largely underdeveloped – Port St Joe is the largest city on the Forgotten Coast with a population just north of 4,000. There’s plenty to do in the area, especially if you love the water. Pristine beaches, fishing, boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding are all nearby, as is shopping.  There are lighthouses, museums, and historical sites to visit. Unfortunately for golfers, there is only one course in the area. While that may pose a problem for…