Why Play It? Ninety fine holes make this
Florida's best
golf resort, but you want the venerable Blue
Monster, a classic parkland layout that has been a beloved stop on
the
PGA Tour for four decades.
Your Chances of Getting On: Very good for
hotel guests; otherwise, hope to get lucky at the last minute.
Peak Greens Fees: $210.
Contact: 4400
Northwest 87th Avenue,
Miami; (305) 592-2000;
www.doralresort.com
NEW YORK
Ballyowen, Crystal Springs, New Jersey
Why Play It? Links-style Ballyowen is
rated number one in all of
New Jersey by numerous golf
publications. With three other good courses, Crystal Springs is one
of the premier golf resorts in the Northeast.
Your Chances of Getting On: Good. Members
love it, but it offers public access 10 days in advance and you can
usually get a time.
Peak Greens Fees: $105 to $140.
Contact: 105 Wheatsworth Road, Hamburg;
(973) 827-5996;
www.crystalgolfresort.com
Bethpage Black
Why Play It? This classic - and
notoriously difficult - U.S. Open venue is one of the most
desirable courses in the nation.
Your Chances of Getting on: Very slim
through normal channels, as New York State residents get first
dibs. But NY Golf Shuttle (www.nygolfshuttle.com) can provide
transportation and fairly reliable access to the Black - for $400
to $600 a head.
Peak Greens Fees: $100 to $120
Contact: 99 Quaker Meetinghouse Road,
Farmingdale; (516) 249-0700;,
www.nysparks.state.ny.us/golf
ORLANDO
New Course, Grand Cypress Golf Club
Why Play It? This unique links-style
experience is superstar player/designer Jack Nicklaus's homage to
the Old Course at Scotland's St. Andrews.
Your Chances of Getting On: Very good
during summer and for hotel guests; fair for outside play the rest
of the year.