THE GREAT GREENS: Golfing is such an unusual sport in so many ways (and nope, we don't even have to summon the "good walk spoiled" quote to make our point). Figure this: If you play football, you know you'll never probably get to tackle somebody on the 50-yard line at MetLife Stadium. If you play baseball, you may never get to pitch at Wrigley Field. But if you golf? That's a different story. The greens walked by the greats are very often played by amateurs with a passion for the sport, even a day or two after a tourney has wrapped. Many a golf course is a "gettable" goal, in other words, for many a golfer. And while we do wish sincere good luck to those athletes who'd love to play one day in their favorite stadium or field -- it could happen -- we beckon the golfers in the room over to talk about the "Play Where the Pros Play" package at the Park Hyatt Aviara in Carlsbad.
LPGA KIA CLASSIC: The Ladies Professional Golf Association makes a number of stops on its circuit, but this North County setting must be among the most beautiful of courses. It's a championship course partnered with the AAA five diamond resort, meaning there are amenities off the fairway (swimming pool, spa, and a quartet of nice restaurants). The Park Hyatt Aviara will welcome the LPGA from March 21-24 this year, for the Kia Classic, but even if you're not playing in that, you can still enjoy that course.
HOW? Book that package -- the rate starts at $595 -- and get overnight accommodations for two (suite-style), unlimited golf, and lunch at the Argyle Steakhouse. There are some golfy goodies that tie into the Kia Classic, too. (Like a change to register to win a chance to play in the Pro-Am at the 2014 tournament.)
So when you're out on the green, you're going to think about all the pros who've played there, right? And feel inspired? Inspiration can come and go on a course, but we believe it has more come than go.
