Arg's Travel Log

[Argonne69]

Made the short drive down to Charleston this morning. Two rounds at this stop, and then on to Hilton Head. 

 

After skipping Pinehurst #4 due to the rather pricey resort stay required, I decided to splurge a bit next week. I booked a night at Sea Island for $230, and I'll play the Plantation course on the day of arrival, and the Seaview course the next day. The two host the PGA RSM Classic tournament. Hopefully I get some decent weather. I'm certainly going to get my money's worth from the room charge by taking the longest hot shower in recorded history. Lol. I spoke with the manager at the Inn, and they said that I could park Bessie in their parking lot, so I may be able to save a night's stay at an RV park. 

 

It was only a matter of time before it happened, and today was the day. I took a sharp turn in the RV park, and didn't have enough clearance on the front end. With the Honda in tow I can't back up, so I had to unhook the toad (i.e. Towed Vehicle), move it out of the way, and then backup the RV enough to clear the turn. Always have to ensure one has enough room before committing to a maneuver. 

 

Edited December 6, 2021 by Argonne69

[hammergolf]

4 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

Made the short drive down to Charleston this morning. Two rounds at this stop, and then on to Hilton Head. 

 

After skipping Pinehurst #4 due to the rather pricey resort stay required, I decided to splurge a bit next week. I booked a night at Sea Island for $230, and I'll play the Plantation course on the day of arrival, and the Seaview course the next day. The two host the PGA RSM Classic tournament. Hopefully I get some decent weather. I'm certainly going to get my money's worth from the room charge by taking the longest hot shower in recorded history. Lol. I spoke with the manager at the Inn, and they said that I could park Bessie in their parking lot, so I may be able to save a night's stay at an RV park. 

 

It was only a matter of time before it happened, and today was the day. I took a sharp turn in the RV park, and didn't have enough clearance on the front end. With the Honda in tow I can't back up, so I had to unhook the toad (i.e. Towed Vehicle), move it out of the way, and then backup the RV enough to clear the turn. Always have to ensure one has enough room before committing to a maneuver. 

 

Did you damage Bessie?

[caniac6]

Where did you play in Charleston?

[ode1]

On 12/4/2021 at 10:30 AM, Argonne69 said:

Arthur Hills course at Palmetto Dunes

Looking forward to your review. 

 

Love Washington Co.  Since getting more into course architecture, I've wanted to get to another of his designs.  The only other one in the state is La Crosse CC, but have not heard anything about it. The two in Illinois would be doable!

Edited December 7, 2021 by ode1

[Argonne69]

11 hours ago, hammergolf said:

Did you damage Bessie?

 

No. There was a fence that prevented me from completing the turn, and after stopping a few feet short, I unhooking the calf,  backed up Bessie a few feet, and then completed the turn. 

 

[Argonne69]

11 hours ago, caniac6 said:

Where did you play in Charleston?

 

I'm teeing off at The Links at Stono Ferry in an hour an a half, and I'll be on The Ocean Course at Kiawah tomorrow morning.

 

[Argonne69]

A pleasant morning at Stono Ferry. Cool temps and overcast skies, but with little wind, it was a nice morning for a walk. The course ranks #15 on GolfWeek's Best in State (South Carolina), but I don't see it. With so many courses in the state I can't believe there are only 14 ahead of it. Good mix of holes in the low country, but other than a couple of interesting holes it just didn't excite. Nothing bad, just nothing great. The front was quite bland. The back was a bit more interesting, with a couple of holes along the Stono River. Fairways were a mix of tight and fairly wide open. Par 3s were just OK. Bunkering was subdued. A few greens had some interesting shapes, but otherwise they were benign. 

 

Conditions were acceptable. It rained last night, so things were on the soft side. Greenside bunkers were outstanding. Freshly groomed wet sand is sweet. Greens were rolling ~10. Pace was great. I started out as a single, joined a threesome at the 11th, and we finished in 3 hours. 

 

Had a very good round going until the final hole were I left my approach in the PA, leading to a double. Grrrr. One birdie, four bogies, and the double. 

 

Decent enough course, but I can't say I'd recommend it. Fine for the locals, but it's not a must play. Four cows. 

 

[Argonne69]

The Links at Stono Ferry, Hollywood, SC 

 

 

 

 

Full photo set: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/guk8w77f64w36c8/AACJP4XkJ2-2bSTn8-whfy-ta?dl=0

 

[Argonne69]

A little driving tour of old Charleston. Interesting city with plenty of history. Off to a couple of brewpubs. 

 

 

 

 

[Argonne69]

A nice wheat beer with peaches at Chucktown Brewery near the College of Charleston. Tasty, but I can't recommend the place. Very limited selection. 

 

 

[nutmegchoi]

Don't miss out Lewis Barbecue!

Considering 8 years in Texas, it is still the best BBQ I've ever tasted!!

Edited December 7, 2021 by nutmegchoi

[Argonne69]

This is a little more like it. A Lo-Fi Brewing Glitter Pony Belgian Tripel at Beer Works. With close to 40 taps with the majority being local brews, there's something for everyone. Even those who drink sours. Lol. 

 

 

[Argonne69]

13 minutes ago, nutmegchoi said:

Don't miss out Lewis Barbecue!

Considering 8 years in Texas, it is still the best BBQ I've ever tasted!!

 

Ugh! Tough choice. I was told to try the duck club at The Tattooed Moose. Maybe I'll stop at Lewis for a "taste" before the Moose. Lol. 

 

[Argonne69]

Another "dilemma". I was hoping to play the Champion course at PGA National on this trip. Of course it requires a stay at the resort. Room rates in late December and January are over $300. However, late next week there are rooms available for under $179. I was originally going to make my way down the Florida peninsula over the next few weeks, but I'm now tempted to drive directly to Palm Beach Gardens after my visit to Sea Island, and then work my way back up through the state after that. Hmmmm. Anybody play PGA National? Worth it? I'd likely stop at PGA Golf Club in Port St Lucia and play the Wanamaker and Dye courses while I'm down there. 

 

Edited December 7, 2021 by Argonne69

[Argonne69]

Lewis BBQ is awesome. Smoked turkey is very tasty. The hot link has a heck of a kick. The brisket melts in your mouth. The jalepeno corn pudding is fantastic. Highly recommended. 

 

 

[nutmegchoi]

5 minutes ago, Argonne69 said:

Lewis BBQ is awesome. Smoked turkey is very tasty. The hot link has a heck of a kick. The brisket melts in your mouth. The jalepeno corn pudding is fantastic. Highly recommended. 

 

 

 

I am so jealous!!! 

[krtgolfing]

7 minutes ago, nutmegchoi said:

 

I am so jealous!!! 

 

Lewis is always my recommendation for people visiting who want good BBQ in the area.

[Argonne69]

Enjoying a very nice Heaven Metal barrel aged imperial stout at Edmund's Oast Brewing. It's a block from Lewis BBQ. Only drawback is that the indoor dining doesn't open until 5 pm, and while the outdoor beer garden has plenty of propane heaters, drinking an imperial stout out of a plastic cup always leaves much to be desired. Lol. 

 

 

Edited December 7, 2021 by Argonne69

[unskinnybop99]

This is a great trip......the beer/food and golf. Damn....some of those green fees are crazy high. 

[Argonne69]

Just now, unskinnybop99 said:

This is a great trip......the beer/food and golf. Damn....some of those green fees are crazy high. 

 

Yeah, I'm definitely over budget. RV parks are a little pricier than I expected. Gas is costly. Green fees are high, and getting higher. After spending two winters in Phoenix, though, the prices don't shock me. Hopefully as I travel through the gulf coast in the late winter things will get a little more sane. 

 

Of course I have a choice of playing no name local courses or top ranked ones. With a bit of cash in the bank from the sale of my condo I feel like I have a little room to splurge at the moment. It's pretty much a once in a lifetime trip, so I can't be too cheap. 

[Argonne69]

OMG. A duck club with duck fat fries at The Tattooed Moose. Very likely the best sandwich I've ever tasted. Good thing I'm walking the Ocean Course tomorrow. I may have to walk it three times. Soooo good. 

 

 

 

[mci711]

2 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

Another "dilemma". I was hoping to play the Champion course at PGA National on this trip. Of course it requires a stay at the resort. Room rates in late December and January are over $300. However, late next week there are rooms available for under $179. I was originally going to make my way down the Florida peninsula over the next few weeks, but I'm now tempted to drive directly to Palm Beach Gardens after my visit to Sea Island, and then work my way back up through the state after that. Hmmmm. Anybody play PGA National? Worth it? I'd likely stop at PGA Golf Club in Port St Lucia and play the Wanamaker and Dye courses while I'm down there. 

 

 

I must admit, I am a FL golf hater if it isn't basically Streamsong. PGA National isn't worth it the drive or money. It is a typical FL course with nothing architecturally great, in decent shape, with a ton of water. 

[caniac6]

3 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

A pleasant morning at Stono Ferry. Cool temps and overcast skies, but with little wind, it was a nice morning for a walk. The course ranks #15 on GolfWeek's Best in State (South Carolina), but I don't see it. With so many courses in the state I can't believe there are only 14 ahead of it. Good mix of holes in the low country, but other than a couple of interesting holes it just didn't excite. Nothing bad, just nothing great. The front was quite bland. The back was a bit more interesting, with a couple of holes along the Stono River. Fairways were a mix of tight and fairly wide open. Par 3s were just OK. Bunkering was subdued. A few greens had some interesting shapes, but otherwise they were benign. 

 

Conditions were acceptable. It rained last night, so things were on the soft side. Greenside bunkers were outstanding. Freshly groomed wet sand is sweet. Greens were rolling ~10. Pace was great. I started out as a single, joined a threesome at the 11th, and we finished in 3 hours. 

 

Had a very good round going until the final hole were I left my approach in the PA, leading to a double. Grrrr. One birdie, four bogies, and the double. 

 

Decent enough course, but I can't say I'd recommend it. Fine for the locals, but it's not a must play. Four cows. 

 

I used to live in Mt Pleasant, and played Stono many times. Between the courses in and around HHI and Myrtle Beach , there has to be 15 better courses. Good course, not a great course.

[Dancin]

1 hour ago, mci711 said:

 

I must admit, I am a FL golf hater if it isn't basically Streamsong. PGA National isn't worth it the drive or money. It is a typical FL course with nothing architecturally great, in decent shape, with a ton of water. 

Seriously. Every FL course is pretty much the same. There's only a handful publicly accessible that have something different and interesting and none of those are better than things you could get in other states. If you're going to splurge and want to play a pro tourney course, play sawgrass over pga national but again it's not worth what they charge for it.

[Chanceman]

What about World Woods? Supposed to be very good.

[Dancin]

World Woods is one of the few public courses that is different but there are tons of courses in the Carolinas that are better with the same design style. Also comments have been on review sites saying conditioning has been terrible as the owners are doing the bare minimum to keep it open.

 

Some recent comments from November on the Rolling Oaks course:
"The greens were in deplorable shape with many large diseased areas on nearly every green. Cart paths were, in some cases, difficult to maneuver due to missing chunks of material and large sections in upheaval."

"Tees not mowed with patchy grass growth and weeds. Fairways probably the better part of this course, but need some care. Every green had bare spots, bunkers were a mess, i.e. lacking sand, eroded and heavy washouts that had not bee addressed in a long time. We ended up cancelling our tee times for the next 2 days and procured tee times at other courses in the Tampa area"

 

I played it back in the late 90s and they were great courses then, but I'd hesitate to go there until a lot more comments arose saying the owners were spending some money.

Edited December 8, 2021 by Dancin

[mci711]

6 hours ago, Chanceman said:

What about World Woods? Supposed to be very good.

I really liked world woods. It has been a few years though. I forget about it, definitely not your typical Florida course. I paired WW with a Streamsong trip and that was a nice combo. 

[Argonne69]

12 hours ago, Dancin said:

Seriously. Every FL course is pretty much the same. There's only a handful publicly accessible that have something different and interesting and none of those are better than things you could get in other states. If you're going to splurge and want to play a pro tourney course, play sawgrass over pga national but again it's not worth what they charge for it.

 

I've played Sawgrass, Innisbrook Copperhead, and Doral (Blue Monster). Sawgrass was fun, but definitely overpriced.

 

I've played World Woods (Barren) twice. 

 

There are a number of Florida courses that I haven't played that I'll likely stop at including Streamsong Black, Black Diamond Ranch (Quarry and Ranch), Camp Creek, and Turnberry Isle.

 

[Chanceman]

Southern Dunes is another one that is evidently not the standard Florida track.

And yes Black Diamond too.

Both in the Orlando/Tampa orbit.

[Argonne69]

Sitting here listening to the rain on Bessie's roof. It sounds like a freight train. I was going to drive out early to the Ocean Course hoping I could get in a quick round before the heavy rains came through this afternoon, but they seem to have arrived early. I assume the course has excellent drainage. Don't really want to spend top dollar to play in the rain and/or sloppy conditions. The forecast calls for off and on rain most of the day. Since there's not much else to do, I'll probably take a drive out there and then make the decision based on the local radar. Maybe there'll be an opening in the rain. If not, it'll be a nice drive. I've played the course before, so if I take a pass it won't be a huge disappointment.