Mike's Excellent Cross Country Adventure

[Mike_Golden]

As some of you are aware I'm relocating from SoCal to Pensacola in the very near future.  I spent the last day scoping out a route that would minimize the miles and maximize the golf and was hoping some of you could fill in some gaps for me with your insight.

First of all, I'm taking a southern route that will lead me through New Mexico (after going to the Grand Canyon for the first time) and was going to play Pinon Hills, Paa-Ko Ridge and the course at New Mexico State.  I know Black Mesa is worth a visit but it seems out of the way and would add an extra day to the trip.

After that I'll be driving through Texas into Louisiana.  There's an open slot for golf in San Antonio or Houston I'd like to fill in.

I found the Audubon Trail in Louisiana and it's convenient on my routing so I planning on 2 of the courses on the way (one has David Tom's name on it as architect), then on to Mississippi  and possibly 1 or 2 stops on the RTJ Trail in Alabama before arriving in Pensacola on the 14th day.

I'm not expecting spectacular golf at every stop on the way, just good courses that are convenient, affordable, hopefully walkable, and can be played in under 4 1/2 hours.

Any suggestions would be most appreciated.

[THuckaby2]

Mike - sounds like a hell of a lot of fun.

Only suggestion I'd make is that if you have to choose in NM, go for Black Mesa and not Paa-Ko.  They're actually not that far from each other - I recall it being an hour's drive or so - so hard to believe you couldn't do both.  If you can do both, do so.  But if you have to pick one, well... others might and likely will disagree but I preferred Black Mesa to Paa-Ko.  Both are pretty damn good though.

TH
ps - sent you an email re TKP stuff... please do pick that up.

[Don Dinkmeyer]

The RTJ trail - Cambrian Ridge - 27 holes plus the par 3 9. The Canyon and Sherling nines are not to be missed; Loblolly is ok but optional.

It's on I-65, about 60 miles south of Montgomery, so its within striking distance of Capitol Hill and National.

Have fun!

[George Pazin]

Obviously you need to talk to John Bernhardt, but my recollection is that he did not care for the Dye/Toms course in Louisiana. (Apologies if I remember incorrectly.)

I would choose Black Mesa in favor of Paa Ko, but I would also drive right past both and head to Texas Tech instead. Cheaper and more walkable than either - I'd say it's "better" as well, but I'm biased.

I'm heading down to Pensacola in July - my sister in law just moved down there, so we're heading down for a visit. Let me know if you find any hidden gems down there - maybe we could hook up with Ace McBride for a game.

[Steve Lang]

 

Mike,

I would concur with others that if you've got any way to get to Black Mesa.. just do it!  Then take the eastern route from Santa Fe down to PKR...  PKR is a good course in a great setting, definitely more fun and interesting than the UNM Course by the ABQ airport.. or Twin Warriors...

Plenty of venues in San Antonio area.. you may want to try for twilight rates at the La Cantera Resort to get a taste for hill country golf .. I like Palmer Course over Weiskof course where they play Texas Open.. alternatively I'd recommend Pecan Valley for a good test..

Depending on travel times, you may want to take in "The Falls" at New Ulm, just north of Columbus on I-10 or on the west side of Houston, along the Brazos, River Ridge GC ..  there's been several "TX & Houston threads" which you should search for and check out,... plenty of offerings as you come through on I-10.. like Memorial Park, a 100yds off I-10 inside the 610 Loop, others North (Blaketree National)-South(Magnolia Creek)-East(Eagle Pointe on very east side of Houston, in Mt Belveau) ..

Mike Nuzzo was working on a job in Beaumont area which would be possible stop before entering Cajun land..

On Audubon Trail, Gray's Plantation is ok, don't bother with Plaquemine, Thompson's Creek (?) Palmer course near St. Francisville is very good fun, Carter Plantation on north side of biglake is Tom's course, very well kept when we were there, but a bit flat and boring.. definitely email Tiger John B

Bama trail.. you're on your own there.. heaerd good things about northern venues around Birmingham..

Enjoy!

[Bill_McBride]

Why does it sound like the entire world is moving to Pensacola?  First Mike Golden, then George Pazin's mother.

It's a great place to live, but the classical golf courses are only reached by airplane!

[THuckaby2]

Ace:  don't you remember the old adage from Latin class?

Omnii appii adduci Pensacolum.

(all roads lead to Pensacola).

 

[Bill_McBride]

Yeah but, how's the place going to remain a best kept secret?

"Pensacola, a great little drinking village with a major fishing problem!"

 

[Mike_Golden]

OK, Paa-Ko Ridge and Las Cruces course are out, Black Mesa, Rawls, and a course of Lou Duran's choosing are in.   Tiger Bernhardt has had enough to deal with in the past week without concerning himself about me but I've left room in my schedule for a trip to Lafayette, LA.

George:  let me know when you'll be in Pensacola-Ace may not be around (trip to the Open, the one in Britain, you know ) but I will and by then I should have snuck into Pensacola CC (unless they find out I'm a Democrat, of course) by then.

Huck-emailed Ladd and it will be taken care of

[RJ_Daley]

I don't know anything about golf in that part of the country.  But, I know if I were driving across Texas, besides stopping at TT Rawls course, I'd drop in to Delaware Springs in Burnet, TX.  It is a minimalist course built by the Bunkerhill boys, Dave Axeland and Dan Proctor.  You can read the GCA.com write-up on courses by country.  For the modest green fees, how can you go wrong?

[cary lichtenstein]

Ditto everyone on Black Mesa

[Mike_Young]

When you get to Miss. try Beau Pre in Natchez.  Let me know and I will see if I can help you with fees etc.  Looks like Steve has recommeded not playing much of the Audubon trail.  I did the course in Plaquemine and must say there is much water and lots of flat land.  But I think you would enjoy Natchez.
Mike