Trying to balance golf and a marriage can sometimes be difficult — but not if you learn how to tend to the needs of both your spouse and your game simultaneously.
One of the best ways to get your golf in and enjoy some time with your special lady is to take a golf trip together. Yes, I know it sounds counterintuitive, but trust me on this — having a golf getaway with your wife is a great thing.
Trying to figure out the perfect destination to take this trip? Look no further than Southern California.
Where to Play
Southern California is full of incredible golf courses, all of which bring their own, individual charm to the game. Selecting the right course for you and your wife will likely come down to personal preference based on difficulty, scenery, price and amenities.
Scholl Canyon Golf and Tennis Club
If you’re looking for the perfect course to play with your spouse, it may be Scholl Canyon Golf and Tennis Club in Glendale.
The course may not be a “Championship” course, measuring just over 3,000 yards from tips, but it is incredibly fun, reasonably priced and offers sweeping panoramic views of downtown Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean.
If you’re looking to relax and enjoy your round without having to worry about breaking 90, the Scholl Canyon is perfect.
Torrey Pines
If your trip takes you a little further down the coast and into the San Diego area, you’ve got to try and play Torrey Pines, right? I mean, it’s got to be high on the list of any avid golfer, regardless of who you’re playing with.
The opportunity to play a course as world-renown as Torrey — which ever course you actually play — is one that any true golf lover must try.
Not only will you forever be able to say you played the same course where Tiger and Phil and dozens more of the games elite have played and won, you’ll enjoy some of the most breathtaking golf course views this side of Pebble Beach.
Pelican Hill Golf Club
If the golf is really important to you and yours, then you’d be remiss to pass up on the chance to play Pelican Hill Golf Club in North Beach.
Honestly, it doesn’t matter which course you play — the North or the South — because they’re both insanely beautiful and challenging. If you’re into scenic ocean views (on damn-near every hole, by the way) then you want to get onto the North course.
If meandering through fields of sage and eucalyptus trees (and more stunning views of the Pacific Ocean) is more your thing, than the South Course is a must.
Either way, you’d better be able to focus on more than the scenery as both Tom Fazio-designed tracks are just waiting to blow up the round of the unsuspecting tourist.
Where to Stay
When you’re not golfing and out on the town, you’ll be at your hotel. A big mistake I see from amateur travelers is operating under that notion that the hotel is just a place to sleep and is therefore the least important part of your planning.
This couldn’t be farther from the truth. Besides the golf (you know, since this is a golf trip) the most important part of your journey is your lodging. Where you stay can make or break your trip.
There’s plenty to consider besides price when you book your room. What kind of to-go-withs are offered? Are there any specials offered in conjunction with local establishments? How about a spa for the Misses? Room service?
The key is to figure out what you really want from your accommodations. Much like the golf courses, Southern California also has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to world class lodging – so choose wisely.
Indian Wells Resort
If you’re looking for all-in-one destination for you and the Misses, than you can’t go wrong with the Indian Wells Resort.
Offering some of the top golf in the state, exquisite dining options, spa and stay-and-play packages, there’s bound to be an option for any couple looking to escape the daily grind and enjoy a few holes and the finer things in life.
With two courses (Celebrity and Players) on site and multiple lodging options, you’ll be sure to find the package and rate that suits you and yours best.
Ojai Valley Inn & Spa
If the focus of your trip is less about the golf and more about the company, you might want to try the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa.
The Inn and Spa offers many of the same amenities as Indian Wells and other comparable resorts, but does so with a much more quaint charm that couples looking to enjoy their time together might enjoy.
That’s not to say the golf isn’t superb — because it is. It’s just that there’s more to do than just hit the links. With a spa, art classes, shops on site, fine dining and more all on property, it’s hard to imagine only playing golf.
Supplement Your Golf
If you’re from Southern California, play as much golf as you can — odds are, you’ll be able to take in the other sights, sounds and experiences that make SoCal one of the greatest spots on Earth.
If you’re just visiting, make sure you make time to enjoy some of the other incredible things to do in the area. SoCal is a vacationers paradise — a veritable cornucopia of activities you (probably) won’t find back home. So indulge. This is what vacation is meant for.
Take Her to a Winery: When you think “wine country,” you usually think about Napa or northern California, but there are plenty of good wineries around the southern part of the state as well.
If you’re not hitting the links or have just come off the course and are looking for something to do, try touring a winery like the Miramonte Winery in Temecula.
Tastings are cheap and fun and offer a great opportunity to kick back and relax somewhere other than the golf course and enjoy more California charm.
Appreciate Your Trip
There are plenty of male golfers out there who dread the idea of playing with their wives — but they shouldn’t.
Odds are, you’re going to be spending time together. If she doesn’t do what you like to do, then you’re just going to end up shopping.
Put a club in her hand and maybe — just maybe — you’ll find yourself getting in more rounds than ever because she wants play nune and have dinner — which is better than shopping and dinner, right?