Golf is one of the few sports that can be considered as a family sport. Golf does not have embarrassing scantily dressed cheerleaders or violent people locking horns in the name of contact sports. Golf does not have drunk fans invading the pitch in search of souvenirs. Golf is a decent family sport that can be watched and enjoyed by any family member. From the youngest members in the family to the senior citizens, golf is a sport for everyone.
It is not a surprise therefore that most people attend golf tournaments and practising sessions as part of their vacation. Very many Americans enjoy their time on the golf courses and some are so enthusiastic about golf that they follow the thrill oversees to watch and play in international golf tournaments. Most of these golf tournaments are a big success. Thanks to good courses staffed with experienced professionals, the experience in these places are priceless. Courses with good amenities and friendly staff contribute largely to the success of any tournament. Very many families end up happy after such tournaments and can’t wait for the next instalment come the next year. The experience on some of these golf courses are not as enjoyable though.
There have been horror stories in the past of people who went to golf courses to watch professionals play but they ended up regretting it. Golf courses with unfriendly staff members, golf courses with no amenities and facilities meant to make life easier for the visitors and those without proper direction signs are among the most dreaded. Today, we want to review some of the worst golf courses for family vacations in America. The review is purely from personal experiences and we are in no way tarnishing the names of these golf courses. We hope that by highlighting these things, these golf courses will strive to change and make future experiences better for other families. Here are the 5 worst golf courses for family vacations in America;
5. Kinloch Golf Course
After all the hype and talk I had heard about this course, I was surprised when arrived here for vacation with my family back in 2009. Never before in my 30+ years of watching and playing golf have I seen such a poorly managed course. The staff members were very adamant to help us and finding our way through the course was even worse. There were no directions or assistants to help us get around and we had to walk for miles because there were no golf carts even for players. The facility itself is stunning and the landscape is one of the best I have ever played on but the staff members and management just proved to be a nightmare to me and my family.
4. Old Sandwich Golf Course
This golf course almost made me hate sandwiches because every time I hear the word sandwich, the horrific memories I had on this golf course resurface in my mind. Memories of stolen golf equipment and exorbitant staff looking to extort money from the golf players. It is here that I was asked to give a tip to a staff member just because he had showed me the direction to the 11th hole. I reported this uncouth behaviour to the management but the response I got was just generic. I lost my two golf clubs and a few clothing midway through the vacation and had to call it quit. I hope they have changed since because the golf course itself was one of the best I have ever played on.
3. Somerset Hill Golf Course
Just after the 2008 European tour, I wanted to take time off and my wife suggested that we visit Bernardsville because a friend had hinted that there is a golf course where we would spend time on while on vacation. After such a successful European tour, I had my standards set high on what to expect from any golf course. It’s a shame that Somerset Hill Golf Course was the first course that I had to visit after such a successful tour. A shame because my experience here was horrific. For the amount of money I paid, I was expecting a golf course with well-kept greens and an elaborate map to help us get around the holes. Some holes were blocked, there were tufts of grass on some greens and the staff were not the friendliest lot. Two days in and I was thinking about going home.
2. The Preserve Golf Course
Never before had I been forced to park my car over 5 miles from the golf course but the Preserve Golf Course made me do it. The reasons given were vague and honestly if they haven’t sorted their parking mess, then they can expect even fewer visitors this year. If you are looking for the best course for you and your family, then this should rank down there as the last option because their parking is a mess.
1. Interlachen Golf Course
It’s a shame that a full 18 hole, 6,981 yard golf course can hire staff members who are racist and interfere with the visitor’s luggage. The facilities here are top notch and the golf course itself is a marvel but the people tasked with taking care of it and helping visitors around are a mess. They open your bags when you are not looking and they might make away with your belongings.