Now that summer is here, coupled with the first stages of eased lockdown restrictions, cooped-up Texans are feeling the urge to get away after being stuck inside for months.
With physical distancing remaining top of mind, many would-be travelers are looking to stay closer to home rather than board a plane to some far-flung destination. If a slow-style vacation sounds good this year, spending carefree days fishing, dining, laying out on the beach or playing as much golf as possible, then consider an in-state trip to South Padre Island.
The tropical oasis located off the southern tip of Texas has many attractions for outdoor enthusiasts both on and off the water, but golfers eager to tee it up will want to make a beeline for South Padre Island Golf Club.
Designed by Chris Cole and Stephen Caplinger, South Padre Island Golf Club opened for play in 1997. Though not technically located on the barrier island – it’s situated on the mainland in Port Isabel – the golf course definitely has a links feel with many holes running alongside beautiful Laguna Madre Bay and framed by wild, native vegetation.
And, as one might expect from its close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, wind is nearly always a factor at South Padre Island Golf Club. Fortunately, the architects planned for steady breezes in their player-friendly layout and built wide fairways and generous green complexes. There are also five different tee boxes from which to choose. Every golfer can play from a length they’re comfortable with, ranging from 6,931 yards from the tips to 5,239 yards from the forward tees.
The TGA recently provided some incentive to go check out South Padre Island Golf Club. On July 25, we’re hosting a Fun Golf Play Day at the seaside course. Fun Golf outings are the TGA’s most inclusive events: come one, come all for a laid-back, recreational golf experience. No one is required to turn in a scorecard, there are no Rules officials and you don’t even have to putt out those pesky 3-footers. The only mandates are right in the name of the event: have fun and play golf.
The South Padre Island Golf Club outing is open to TGA Members and nonmembers, too. For information, click here.
For anyone who finds their game a little rusty after the lockdown, South Padre Island Golf Club also has terrific practice facilities. There’s a large putting green and chipping area, and the range is especially roomy with natural turf and plenty of targets to aim for. Or, since this is supposed to be a time to relax, skip the practice session and head straight to the clubhouse for a cool drink and tasty bite to eat at Divots Bar and Grill.
Either way, the coastal ambiance, beautiful natural setting and friendly staff at South Padre Island Golf Club will make for a truly laid-back vacation experience.
For more information about South Padre Island Golf Club, click here.