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Brandon Tucker
Former Sr. Managing Editor
Brandon Tucker was the Sr. Managing Editor for GolfPass from 2019-2021 and was the founding editor of Golf Advisor in 2014, which he ran until 2020 when Golf Advisor's editorial staff and community golf course reviews became part of GolfPass. Tucker helped drive community engagement to the site in the form of course reviews by everyday golfers and was the creator of Golf Advisor's annual Best-Of lists, later called Golfers' Choice. Prior to Golf Advisor, he was the travel editor for Golf Channel Travel and oversaw the WorldGolf network of golf travel websites. From the time he was part of WorldGolf.com in 2006 until departing GolfPass in 2021, he played golf in over two dozen countries and at over 600 courses around the world. As a youth, Tucker spent his summer on the municipal courses of Ann Arbor Michigan and was a co-captain of the state finalist high school golf team. He may have played everywhere from Pebble Beach to St. Andrews, but Tucker's favorite way to play the game will always be on a fun and welcoming public course in under three hours, and ideally somewhere in his home state of Michigan. Brandon can be found on Twitter at @BrandonTucker and on Instagram at btuck34.
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Popular articles
The experience at the newest golf course in Michigan is unlike anything you'll play in the Jack Nicklaus portfolio.
It doesn't matter if you've been playing for a lifetime or you're brand new: every golfer needs more golf buddies.
Strokes Gained insights have never been more accessible to golfers of any ability. Here's what you need to know about the revolutionary statistic and how it can help you lose shots.
It's 2020 and data-driven golf apps are here to assist with every shot you take in a round of golf. The relationship can get weird.
Brandon Tucker shares his ten best value golf destinations, where you can find great golf on a budget, from Myrtle Beach to San Diego.
From GPS and shot tracking to strokes gained data, app makers are stepping up their game for the world's most popular wearable.
Articles by Brandon Tucker
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July 29, 2011
Each region of Scotland offers its own allure. For Fife, the crystal clear reason to visit above all else is St. Andrews, where the game dates back longer than anywhere else in the world. But look beyond the seven Links Trust courses, and the kingdom is Scotland's most robust region for golf. For those making their first golf trip to Scotland, it makes a lot of sense to begin in Fife, just as the game did itself.
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July 20, 2011
Some of the world's best summer mountain golf can be played around Lake Tahoe and Truckee. Then, just 30 minutes to the east and over the mountains in Nevada, golf -- generally more affordable -- can be enjoyed in Reno-Sparks and the Carson Valley all year long. Depending on your checkbook, this guide can help you plan your golf vacation around Lake Tahoe and nearby Reno-Sparks.
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July 18, 2011
There are more than 200 courses available to the public in Nebraska, which is home to fewer than 2 million residents. And most public courses are meant for the wallets of the middle and rural class, making the Husker state one of the better value-golf destinations. Nebraska's lineup isn't as deep compared to Michigan. But you don't need a NetJets membership or Warren Buffett-type connections to access some great golf in Nebraska.
4 Min Read
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July 11, 2011
Canada is a nation that adores its golf, coast to coast. But no destination does the game quite like Prince Edward Island. Canada's smallest province, not only is it stocked with seafood, lighthouses and beaches, there is a golf course around every corner. Here is a front nine of reasons that separates the "Gentle Island" on the east coast from Canada's many summer golf hotspots.
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July 11, 2011
It's natural to think of shellfish at Prince Edward Island's Glasgow Hills Resort & Golf Club. The club even introduced free mussels after the round as a way of encouraging groups to stick around for a drink in the clubhouse. But golf is the star here: As one of the newest and most visually dramatic golf courses, Glasgow Hills rates among Prince Edward Island's best.
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July 5, 2011
Prince Edward Island is home to plenty of easy-swinging golf courses, but that doesn't mean you can't put your golf game to the test from the tips. Brandon Tucker suggests five PEI courses that will challenge even the best golfers.
Renewed Golf Gets Rave Reviews! Come Play at Saddlebrook's two Arnold Palmer signature 18-hole golf courses and enjoy deluxe accommodations, award-winning dining, and much more!
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July 4, 2011
Bringing the Barclays Scottish Open back to a links course seemed like a no-brainer. Moving the event to the remote Highlands on a brand new golf course was the gamble. But those who make the trek to Inverness and set foot on the new Castle Stuart Golf Links in Inverness will soon realize this is a place that's hard to say no to, Brandon Tucker writes.
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June 6, 2011
When a friend's family offers you the keys to their remote vacation house near Hilton Head Island for Memorial Day weekend, you take them up on it, which is what writer Brandon Tucker did. The Bray's Island Plantation house served as a fitting base camp for his golf-intensive weekend. Tucker recounts how, in less than 72 hours, his group played 63 holes on four different courses: Bray's Island Plantation Golf Club, Golf Club at Hilton Head Lakes, Heron Point at Sea Pines Resort and Crosswinds Golf Club.
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May 31, 2011
Eleven years after opening in the shadow of St. Andrews, Kingsbarns Golf Links has never been better. It's also pricier than ever, but it's well worth it. Why? Kingsbarns offers a top-shelf golf experience, which includes phenomenal sea views, European Tour-worthy conditions and shot values, Brandon Tucker writes.
3 Min Read
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May 26, 2011
For scenic, player-friendly golf in Fife, it doesn't get much better than Crail Golfing Society's Balcomie Links. It's not only one of Scotland's oldest links, but also one of Fife's most scenic and fun to play. If your group wants a break from the St. Andrews courses in town, this is as good of an option as there is, Brandon Tucker writes.
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May 24, 2011
The locals rave about the Jubilee Course in St. Andrews. Less crowded than the historic Old Course, the Jubilee still has that unmistakable St. Andrews aura. The Jubilee may be behind the Old Course, New Course and Castle Course in the St. Andrews pecking order, but it's a favorite course among locals and repeat visitors to the home of golf, Brandon Tucker writes.
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May 23, 2011
The images of Irish golf are unmistakable: towering dunes, wispy grasses and flags snapping in the wind. To those who have never set foot on a true links course, the game can look entirely different in Ireland. Brandon Tucker offers up 10 things you should know to help you make a plan for a golf vacation to Ireland's west side.
Nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, Red Sky Golf Club’s Tom Fazio and Greg Norman courses are consistently ranked at the top of their class. Both courses feature dramatic mountain views from greens surrounded by aspen forests, wildflower meadows and sage covered hills. Guests at Beaver Creek and Vail Resort’s lodging properties enjoy coveted access to the courses of Red Sky Golf Club.
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May 18, 2011
Few golf course have a history as complex as what can be found in the nearly 200 years at Leven Links in Fife. Stepping out onto this championship-caliber, pure-links course -- with views across the Firth of Forth to the Bass Rock in the distance -- is just half the fun. About 15-20 minutes by car from St. Andrews, history buffs and links lovers will want to stop by for the day at Leven Links.
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May 9, 2011
With a storied history hosting many of Texas' great legends such as Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson, Sam Snead and Ben Crenshaw, San Antonio has a rich pedigree as a stage for some of the state's top shotmakers. A golf trip to the Alamo City will reveal who the true players are, especially if the Hill Country breeze is prevalent and your group books a tee time on one of these top courses for shotmakers.
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May 9, 2011
From Torrey Pines, Maderas and La Costa Resort, to Coronado, Carmel Mountain Ranch and DoubleTree, there's a golf course in the San Diego area for every wallet size. Brandon Tucker offers up some of the area's best plays for three sets of budgets: high-end, moderate and bargain.
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April 29, 2011
Pinehurst No. 1 is an old gem in a new world of golf course technology. It's certainly been passed up by a century of newer, bigger golf courses. But the best golf course at less than 6,100 yards? Pinehurst No. 1 could certainly throw its hat into that ring. Unlike some other courses that date back to the early part of the 20th century, No. 1 never really feels all that cramped to the modern golfer. Playing corridors, while framed by Carolina pines, are still wide enough to hit the big stick.
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April 25, 2011
Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw's newest, Dormie Club, is going about its business quietly. Opened since May 2010, Dormie is a fine addition to the Carolina Sandhills' top shelf. As long as this course books public tee times, good players will want to factor it into their must-play list, along with Pinehurst Resort's 2, 4 and 8 courses, Pine Needles, and Tobacco Road, among others.
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April 21, 2011
Greg Norman has been coming to the Exuma Islands in the Bahamas since long before he designed Emerald Reef Golf Club, which opened in 2003. Since Sandals purchased the property at the beginning of 2010, he's been here several times to oversee the course's restoration back to his original plan. Brandon Tucker has more on the Shark and the bright future of the club at Sandals Emerald Bay.
Carved by time between some of the oldest and newest mountain ranges in North America lies La Quinta Resort & PGA WEST, a world famous golf resort just minutes from Palm Springs and Palm Desert, California. Challenge your game on 90 holes of championship golf designed by three golf legends.
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April 8, 2011
The third hole on the Mountain Course at Ventana Canyon Golf & Racquet Club in Tucson, Arizona may not get as much hype as no. 16 on the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale, but is there a better par 3 in the desert? And that's just one of 36 desert delights on the two Tom Fazio-designed courses at Ventana Canyon, Brandon Tucker writes.
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March 22, 2011
So your golf group has finally decided it's time to take the plunge and book that grand Scotland golf trip, but it may take some time to figure it all out. TravelGolf.com offers some advice to help you get started on that dream vacation.
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March 21, 2011
The Willow Glen course is the headliner at Sycuan Resort, which is located just northeast of San Diego in El Cajon, California. Willow Glen tends to get a little more play from visitors than the resort's other courses, Oak Glen and Pine Glen, thanks to a few more postcard worthy holes, Brandon Tucker writes.
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March 21, 2011
Not only does Orlando host two PGA Tour events each year, it's also a hotbed for many of the game's top PGA Tour and LPGA pros, not to mention thousands more aspiring golfers. So it makes sense the city is going to have some beastly golf courses. The visiting golfer has access to just about all of the best courses in town for scratch golfers, so make sure you pack your A-game on your flight to Orlando.
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March 21, 2011
There are plenty of golf courses in the Myrtle Beach area, which means there are some just right for you, no matter the budget. Brandon Tucker offers some suggestions on where to stay and play along the Grand Strand whether you have a high-end budget or are looking for the best bargain tee times.
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March 21, 2011
You have one round left on your Myrtle Beach trip. While you're the best golfer of your foursome, you haven't made any money because the others in your group have been lucky on some of the area's easier courses. But their luck is about to run out. Why? Because Brandon Tucker has some advice on the Grand Strand's toughest golf courses. Play these on your final day and you'll head home a winner.
Spring will be here in no time—and our world-class courses, luxury accommodations and fine dining will be waiting! Will you be ready? Plan your golf outings now!
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March 18, 2011
Ever played a par-6 finishing hole that spanned two states? If so, you've got a jump on completing our list of the best 18th holes along the Grand Strand. Great finishes to great golf courses fill Myrtle Beach and its surrounding areas. Brandon Tucker offers his take on the top 10 ways to finish a round on the Grand Strand, featuring all the necessary elements of sand, water and excitement.
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March 17, 2011
Originally opened in 1973 and designed by Arnold Palmer and Frances Duane, the King's North Course at Myrtle Beach National was entirely redesigned and renovated in 1996. As a result, it remains one of the top plays for the money and one of the most played premium courses in the area.
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March 4, 2011
Many of the top golf courses in Tucson are affiliated with top resort brands. One of the most recognized daily fees in the area, however, is affiliated with the University of Arizona, one of the nation's most illustrious golf programs: Arizona National. While the course conditions may be a notch below the region's most upscale resort plays, the price is as well, making Arizona National well worth the trip.
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March 2, 2011
Carmel Mountain Ranch Country Club, located just off I-15 north of San Diego, is a daily-fee course with a small membership that consistently has some of the area's purest putting surfaces. Carmel Mountain Ranch serves a mostly local golf market in San Diego, but the course can serve as a good option for out-of-town players in search of a tough play at an affordable price, Brandon Tucker writes.
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March 1, 2011
Like many parts of the U.S., San Diego really beefed up its golf scene in the 1990s and early 2000s, building sparkling new resorts and courses set among the mountains and residential communities. Classic design from the game's past eras can certainly be found among San Diego County's 90-plus tracks, however. And golf travelers in search of the classics can take solace in the fact that many of San Diego's grand old walks are highly affordable.
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February 10, 2011
A look into the brief history of King Kamehameha Golf Club in Maui reads like a Hollywood screenplay, featuring Marilyn Monroe, Arthur Miller and Frank Lloyd Wright. At now it appears the story is nearing a happy ending. Thanks to new owner Makoto Kaneko, who revived the property in 2005, King Kamehameha G.C. is finally filling up. And the club's member-for-a-day green fee beckons the Hawaiian golf traveler, Brandon Tucker writes.
