Hey, Gorman had to win one of these debates sometime, so this is the month where hell freezes over. I will not attempt to argue against Hawaii as the ultimate golfing destination. I know that’s where I would go if I was granted my golfing dream vacation, but there’s one big downer to going to Hawaii and it’s not fear of a volcano exploding while you’re lining up a birdie putt.
It’s the cost, folks. If you don’t have to worry about how many benjamins it’s going to take out of your wallet then don’t read any further than this, but of course you’ll be missing out on some fabulous advice. My dream destination, and one that I have had fulfilled several times, is Charleston, South Carolina. It’s also a great place to consider spending your retirement years.
Everyone talks about Myrtle Beach, another fun destination, but while MB certainly is a golfer’s paradise, it’s become far too commercial for my tastes. And if you want to go before April it’s too damn cold. Charleston, just two hours south, is much warmer earlier in the season because the Gulf Stream traditionally flows above it and below Myrtle Beach. Big difference.
But that’s not what I love about Charleston. Aside from all the great golf courses, is the city and surrounding communities. Sheer beauty, a slow, relaxed pace to life and people who welcome you with open arms and true southern hospitality. Charleston is a modern city with old world charm. It’s a great walking city with history on every corner and some of the most beautiful architecture on the planet. Tremendous restaurants and enough to do and see to keep you busy for a month, if that’s what you love.
It’s easy to get around town or get around the town if you want and the golf courses are plentiful and outstanding. Just south of Charleston is Kiawah Island, which boasts six very different golf courses, five of which are perfect for the average player. The most famous, The Ocean Course, which has hosted a Ryder Cup and several professional events over the years, is a monster, where the wind almost never stops blowing and where you need to bring a couple of dozen balls if you don’t have a forecaddie. I’ve played The Ocean Course three times and while the views are spectacular and the layout fantastic, it’s just too tough. I would suggest that you may want to play it once, just to say you were there, but don’t go with the idea that you’re going to walk off the 18th green smiling.
The other courses are so beautiful and enjoyable that you will want to come back again and again. Courses right around Charleston are fantastic, be it on Daniel Island, to the west of the city or the Wild Dunes resort just to the north, in Mt. Pleasant. Charleston National is also a track you must play, just a few miles north of the city. There’s also the beautiful little community of Summerville, which in addition to having several great courses, is home for the annual flower festival and nicknamed “Flowertown” for its incredible beauty.
You can book a fantastic trip just by contacting the Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau. They’ll set up your golf, lodging, sightseeing, recommended restaurants and anything else that might tickle your fancy and it won’t cost anywhere near what Gorman’s ultimate destination will.
Tim Geary is a R.I. based freelance writer. He has spent many happy hours in Charleston, but would love to visit Hawaii before he dies.
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