Tri-State Golfer 2020 Golf Resort

34 GOLF RESORT & DESTINATION MAGAZINE | 2020 A recent five-round, four-night golf adventure along North Carolina’s northeastern barrier islands was strategically chosen for its seaside posi- tioning and potential windswept nature. The Wright Brothers came to the Outer Banks hoping for consistently faster winds and higher air density to help lift their “fly- ing machine” off the sandy soil in the early 1900s. And they got them. So, it was only natural that our golf group should seek out those precise conditions in order to pre- pare for an impending challenge against three famed Open Championship venues that exist along England’s northwest coast. Not surprisingly, we got the winds too. As it turned out, the only real sur- prise surfaced a week later while playing amongst the dunes that defend against the cold, battering winds that typically sweep off the Irish Sea. As rounds persisted across historic Royal Liverpool (Hoylake), Royal Lytham and St. Annes, and Royal Birkdale, one couldn’t help but think back to the days immediately prior. Through the chilly British dreariness arose memories of warm Atlantic Ocean breezes, sound-side vistas, brilliant sun- shine, sweet southern hospitality and qual- ity food. Oh, that Tar Heel food. It’s no se- cret that the English fare can be dread- ful in the pubs and taverns so far away from home. Never before had the words of James Taylor rung so true: “Gone to Carolina in my mind…” It was decided then. Our next golf trip stays on home shores. Granted, the extraordinary linksland, the game’s rich tournament history, and It was supposed to be merely the tune-up trip – final preparations for play on the game’s grandest stage in the British Isles. But a golf journey to North Carolina’s Outer Banks made its own lasting impression. BANK ON IT Kilmarlic Par 3 By Martin Armes, Contributing Writer