I am currently thinking about buying a second home that I may eventually move into full time when I retire. So I am trying to find the best combination of home value and quality golf available.

Has anyone else done this recently and come accross what they think is a great location or property? Or maybe has purchased a place that they are totally satisfied with. Keeping in mind having a long golf season.

Florida?
South Carolina?
North Carolina?
Georgia?

http://www.callawaygardens.com/


Click on the living section at the top

I'm in a somewhat similar situation -- looking for another home outside Texas although in my case, cooler weather during the summer would be a consideration.

A vacation/retirement home depends on your interests in and outside golf, in my opionion. Costs may be an issue as well as surroundings, culture, lifestyle and the types of members at the location.

I've been fortunate to travel a bit and play in all the areas mentioned. I'm not much on Florida although the season there will be long. South Carolina is nice but summers can be hot. Georgia with its bugs, heat and humidity is worse. North Carolina or Virginia are both on our list but my wife would liike something that has a beach. San Diego would be ideal but most of our family is east.

I would however, respectfully counter Callaway. I'm part of a group that has gone there each year and the course has regressed in terms of conditioning and enjoyment.... in fact the RTJ Trail courses that start just across the Alabama border are much better courses. Depending on what you're life away from golf is like, I'm not sure the area has much to offer other than inexpensive living.

I've begun paying attention to the back of the WSJournal, Golf Digest and several of the club magazines one finds at country clubs to see what developments/golf communities are coming on line.

If money were no object, my choice would be Kiawah....I love several of the courses there, the food, architecture and Charleston. My wife is sorta leaning that way, but if she had her choice, she'd share a little bungelow in the Bahamas with someone who doesn't play golf.

I wasn't a geography major, but I'm pretty sure North Carolina and Virginia both have beaches.

Can't argue with your choice of Kiawah though.

Having lived on the atlantic coast of florida for 12 yrs I can say that the Palm Coast, St Augustine area is very nice. Home prices in the area have stalled in the last year and they have a great selection of courses including the Golf Hall of fame in St Augustine. Palm Coast has 7 courses alone. On the ocean they have Hammock Dunes ( where I worked for those 12 years) plus Ocean Hammock ( they just had a Champions tournament there this summer plus the hosted the womens amatuer too. Check it out you should be able to find exactly what you are looking for. Beaches, Golf Golf Golf Golf. Just google Hammock Dunes or Ocean Hammock. Let me know what you think!

Has anyone explored the Reynolds Plantation area? It appears there are a few options in that Lake Oconee area.

My wife would argue that I minored in a lot of things and majored in nothing in college but you're right, there are beaches in Virginia and especially nice ones in North Carolina. I meant to say that she'd like a beach and water she could go to almost everyday of the year -- the husband was optional.

The Cliffs Communities.....the courses are amazing. The views are incredible. You feel like you are in a different country. Up in the mountains...but can play all year long. The other day, we were teeing off and a cloud came rolling across the fairway at eye level. Plus, you get 5 courses (all top notch) when you join. Oh...BTW that is where Tiger is designing his first US course as well.