No matter how far off the grid, some golf courses are worth every mile it takes to find them. My favorite remote golf experiences are those that are located in a piece of the world that are so unbelievably quiet, desolate or rugged they could never be located near a large population base.
Sometimes, my most memorable and remote courses are set within or near a national park. This photo essay begins near Big Bend National Park, one of the most under-visited national parks in the U.S. and located on the far southwest part of the Texas border. Black Jack's Crossing is simply one of the most remarkable pieces of property I've ever played the game on. For the pleasure, it's about 6-8 hours from the Texas Triangle by car but cheated by taking a private charter flight out of Dallas to get there (something the Lajitas Resort offers to groups).
Another great reason why you should seek out remote courses is that, oftentimes, they present a tremendous value. Consider the majority of the most expensive courses in the U.S. are near large metropolises with lots of cash (Miami; Pebble Beach, Calif.; and Las Vegas, to name a few). Meanwhile, remote hotbeds such as Northern Michigan and Minnesota's Iron Range, Nebraska and Cape Breton Island all offer spectacular golf for less than $100 prime time.
Other resorts in prime settings, however, are so good they still command a pretty penny. Bandon Dunes and Streamsong, for example, are two of the poster children for bucket list destination golf and can charge more than $200 to play. The same goes for Fairmont Jasper Park, which, despite the effort it takes to find, offers a luxurious experience and charges accordingly for it. None of these courses are easy to find, but they deliver with all-encompassing resort experiences that mean visitors can play golf all day and never leave the property.
Internationally, there are lots of choices for remote golf that's worth the effort, especially when you consider getting around Europe often requires long, winding roads. I went with a selection from Scotland, Ireland and even Greece. In all three cases, the drive there was a harrowing journey, making the round of golf itself feel that much more earned.
In these photos, I've spotlighted some of my favorite remote golf experiences. But despite a decade in the business, I still haven't been everywhere. I'm always anxious to visit the next one no matter the distance. So I'm curious, what are your favorite golf courses well worth the trip?
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On the Texas side of the Rio Grande is one of the state's most thrilling courses, Black Jack's Crossing, located in the town of Lajitas near Big Bend National Park. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor
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Be sure to put on some Bob Dylan tunes in the car as you make the drive up to Minnesota's Iron Range, home of 36-hole Giants Ridge. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor
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An always tumbling, rugged experience in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Greywalls Course at Marquette Golf Club is a thrill to play. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor
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The long, winding road down to the Mull of Kintyre reveals one of the greatest opening holes of golf at Machrihanish Golf Club. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor
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Perhaps the most pleasant all-around golf course in the world, Stanley Thompson's Jasper Park Lodge Golf Course, is located west of Edmonton in the Canadian Rockies. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor
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Head east from Portland along the Columbia River Gorge and you'll find Elk Ridge Golf Course. Not only are the views from this vantage point surreal, but the turf stays firm and dry all year, something that can't be said for other Pacific Northwest courses. Green fees are easy to find for under $50. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor
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Highlands Links is even further away from civilization than its neighbor Cabot Links. But this Stanley Thompson national parks course is worth every mile. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor
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Wild Horse Golf Club is relatively close to I-80, but when is anyone ever playing through central Nebraska? This Axeland & Proctor design is one of the country's greatest bargains. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor
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Who knew there was a "remote" part of Florida? Streamsong Resort is located between Tampa and Orlando on a tucked away phosphate mine owned by Mosaic. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor
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On the northernmost tip of Ireland is Ballyliffin, home to two surreal 18-hole links. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor
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It's a solid three hours west of San Juan, where you'll probably fly into, but Royal Isabela delivers with a most unique course design and spectacular cliffside holes. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor
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I almost forgot about Bandon Dunes Resort. Yeah, it's a hike from Portland, about four hour's drive, but you can spend a full week here in pure golf bliss. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor
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It's a long, winding journey through Greece to reach Costa Navarino, but the new Bay Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. is spectacular. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor
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When Forest Dunes Golf Club opens its reversible Tom Doak course in 2016, the three-hour drive from Detroit to north-central Michigan will be even more appealing. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor
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