It’s been a long, hard winter. What better way to announce warmer weather than with a few rounds of golf? Whether your group is looking to cheer on their favorite collegiate golfers or whether they simply want to play a couple of games themselves, these six courses offer top-notch facilities for all golf enthusiasts.
The NCAA will play its six championships (Men’s Division I, II and III; Women’s Division I, II and III) during mid- and late-May. Without further ado, let’s look at this year’s championship venues.
Men’s Division I: Prairie Dunes Country Club, Hutchinson, Kansas
Dates: May 23-28, 2014
Prairie Dunes Country Club. Credit
About Prairie Dunes Country Club: Originally designed by Perry Maxwell in 1935 and completed by his son, Press Maxwell, in 1957, this links-style golf course is reminiscent of the seaside golf courses of Scotland. Its 18 holes are spread through 480 acres of gently rolling greenery. In 2013, this course was named one of America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses by Golf Digest; in 2014, it hit the 13th spot on Golf Week’s Best Classic Courses. A full list of facilities, including catering services and five dining rooms, round out the offerings.
About Hutchinson: Located along the banks of the Arkansas River, Hutchinson is about an hour from Wichita. That city’s Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport is the busiest in the state.
Men’s Division II: The Meadows at Grand Valley State University, Allendale, Michigan
Dates: May 19-23, 2014
The Meadows at Grand Valley State University. Credit
About The Meadows: The Meadows Golf Course is operated in conjunction with Grand Valley State University, and it serves as home turf for the college’s golfers. Making the most of its wetlands setting, this course was rated 4.5 of 5 stars by Golf Digest and made Links Magazine’s 2010 list of the Top 25 University Courses in the US. The course was designed by award-winning architect Dr. Michael Hurdzan in 1994. It has hosted no fewer than seven NCAA championships, and that number will increase to nine by the end of 2015.
About Allendale: Set on the western coast of southern Michigan, Allendale is within the Grand Rapids metro area. It’s about two hours west of Detroit; guests can choose from Grand Rapids’ Gerald R. Ford International Airport or Detroit’s Metro Airport.
Men’s Division III: Grandover Resort, Greensboro, North Carolina
Dates: May 13-16, 2014
Grandover Resort, Greensboro. Credit
About Grandover Resort: Grandover Resort is home to not one but two 18-hole golf courses, along with a lush green setting and plush accommodations. The East Course – designed in 1996 by Gary Panks and David Graham – is a tree-lined, nature-oriented place. Recently, six new tee areas were added to bring the total yardage of this course well over 7,000. The West Course, at 6,800 yards, is a bit shorter. It has a traditional links-style layout. Both courses have access to Grandover Resort’s exceptional facilities, golf shop and practice area.
About Greensboro: Nestled in North Carolina’s Piedmont region, Greensboro is famous for its warm summers, mild winters and naturally appealing setting. It is within an hour’s drive of Durham and Winston-Salem; all areas are served by the Piedmont Triad International Airport.
Women’s Division I: Tulsa Country Club, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Dates: May 20-23, 2014
Tulsa Country Club. Credit
About Tulsa Country Club: Tulsa Country Club has a long history; its golf course was originally designed in the 1920s. In April 2010, golf course architect Rees Jones was brought on board to oversee the renovation of this historic course. Today’s updated venue comes with new greens, bunkers, irrigation systems and more. And there’s the amenities, including a practice facility, a fitness center, dining and cocktail areas, and a pool. It’s no surprise that the Tulsa Country Club has hosted more USGA-sanctioned events than any other Oklahoma city.
About Tulsa: Tucked into the northern corner of Oklahoma, Tulsa has gone from Old West town to a modern city with a diversified economy and multiple entertainments and attractions. With a landscape dominated by the Arkansas River and the foothills of the Ozarks, expect outdoor sports aplenty. Incoming guests may find Tulsa International Airport to be their most convenient travel option.
Women’s Division II: Rock Barn Golf and Spa, Conover, North Carolina
Dates: May 14-17, 2014
Rock Barn Golf and Spa. Credit
About Rock Barn Golf and Spa: Since 2003, Rock Barn Golf Course has been the host of the PGA Champions Tour’s Greater Hickory KIA Classic. The grounds boast two 18-hole golf courses. The Robert Trent James Jr. Course recently tied with two others for the title of best course in the Charlotte area (Charlotte Business Journal, April 2013) It’s less-difficult – but still award-winning – sister course, designed by Tom Jackson, also makes the most of the mountain-style terrain. And all the amenities – practice greens, dining, lodging, an equestrian center – are here as well.
About Conover: The second of two North Carolina towns on this year’s NCAA Championship roster, Conover is located roughly between Charlotte and Asheville, about 90 miles southwest of Greensboro. Nearby airports include Charlotte Douglas International Airport and the smaller Asheville Regional Airport.
Women’s Division III: Mission Inn, Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida
Dates: May 13-16, 2014
El Campeon Golf Course, Mission Inn Resort & Club, Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida. Credit.
About Mission Inn: Mission Inn is home to two 18-hole golf courses: El Campeon and Las Colinas. Both incorporate the landscape features of this uniquely hilly area of Florida in their course design. El Campeon has been described as a “thinking game” course; its 85 feet of elevation changes provide interest and challenge for experienced golfers. The rolling hills of Las Colinas add their own challenges to a friendly game. Both courses come with access to Mission Inn’s practice facility, clubhouse and pro shop. For a spot of relaxation after the game, Spa Marbella is also onsite.
About Howey-in-the-Hills: Howey-in-the-Hills is perhaps best known for its golf; it’s also just 35 minutes from Orlando and Disney World. It is located within the Orlando-Kissimmee metro area.
With several of these courses playing host to multiple NCAA championship tournaments in the past, it’s easy to see why they are regarded as some of the premier golf experiences in the USA. Have you ever played them (or booked them for a golfing excursion)?
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