Cool Golf Destinations

The "dog days of summer" are upon us, that hot and humid August stretch that torments golfers with sweat, sunburn and soaked golf gloves. Golfers across most of the country hibernate all winter, counting the days until summer, is this what we've been holding out for? Fortunately, there are many destinations awaiting golfers seeking solace from the blistering sun. Here are four outstanding golf getaways that offer cool, crisp summer temperatures to help you beat the heat.

Washington's Puget Sound Region

Salish Cliffs Golf Club
The Pacific Northwest might be the ideal escape for those "Dog Day" blues. The temperate late summer climate invigorates locals and visitors alike, and areas surrounding Puget Sound - Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia - host some of the west coast's best golf. Salish Cliffs Golf Club, in Shelton, WA is located just 20 minutes from Olympia, and set beside award-winning Little Creek Casino Resort; both are owned and operated by the Squaxin Island Tribe.

Salish Cliffs is a Gene Bates layout renowned for its immaculate condition, imaginative routing, variety of holes, and absolutely stunning views of the Kamilche Valley. It's also the world's first Salmon-Safe Certified golf course, part of the owners' applauded commitment to minimal disturbance of the environment. Shade from the lush forests and breezy preserves provide soothing relief during these long, hot summer days. After a day of golf, the resort's Seven Inlets Spa and Skookum Spirit Cigar and Wine Lounge will help you unwind.

Chambers Bay
Modeled after some of the world's most famous links courses, Chambers Bay in University Place, WA, is an amazing layout that stretches across acres of sandy terrain "linking" the coast and the course. Designed by the esteemed Robert Trent Jones II, who took full advantage of the stunning views of Puget Sound, the course was designed specifically for hosting championships. His dream will soon become a reality: next summer it will play host the 2015 U.S. Open.

Chambers Bay is located just 35 minutes from Salish Cliffs, making Little Creek Casino Resort the perfect place to stay and play for those considering attending next summer's national championship. There are a number of creative packages available specifically for such golf enthusiasts.

Michigan's Upper Peninsula

Sweetgrass Golf Club
A natural extension of Wisconsin's North Woods, the Upper Peninsula is a pristine, much-forested land where you'll find the Sweetgrass Golf Club at Island Resort & Casino, in Harris. Calm breezes keep players cool and collected as they play through what has been deemed one of Michigan's best courses, according to Golfweek, and a top casino amenity.

A favorite stop of players on the Symetra Tour circuit, Sweetgrass hosts LPGA hopefuls each June for the annual Island Resort Championship. The Paul Albanese design features a variety of unforgettable holes and features, including Redan, Biarritz, island and double greens, and even "rescued" bridges from the Michigan Department of Transportation.

The Greywalls Course at Marquette Golf Club
A short drive northward up the coast is Greywalls in Marquette - another U.P. gem. Mike DeVries designed the course to fit seamlessly into Marquette's rocky, elevated terrain and his naturalist approach works perfectly. While dramatic drops from tees to rolling fairways may initially intimidate golfers, panoramic views of Lake Superior will suddenly quell any concerns.

For golfers looking for the best bang for their buck on a trip to the Upper Peninsula, the value-laden "Perfect 4-Some" package (starting at $285) is a great choice. The deal includes two nights at Island Resort Casino, plus 18 holes at both of these innovative Michigan layouts as well as nearby TimberStone at Pine Mountain.

Scotland

For an unforgettable golf getaway, the "Home of Golf," is an attractive destination, and few getaways match its rugged charm. With the Ryder Cup returning to Gleneagles this September, Scotland is primed to lure golfers to its shores for the world's penultimate golf experience. Not only that, the island's northern latitude routinely ushers in comfortable late summer golf temperatures.

Many who attend the Ryder Cup will also want to visit the hallowed greens and fairways of St. Andrews, Turnberry and Carnoustie. Yes, you can play them all, but securing tee times, lodging and transportation can be challenging for the uninitiated. However, if you visit Premier Golf you should have no problem. They have been the exclusive North American provider of Ryder Cup tickets and packages since 1991.

Licensed by PGA of America, Premier Golf it is expert in both domestic and international trips and offers a variety of all-inclusive experiences to this year's matches. Beyond access to this thrilling competitive event, Premier Golf also provides "a la carte" Ryder Cup golf packages that include tee times at the most iconic courses in Scotland, complete with on-site assistance, transfers to and from the course, and more.

The Canadian Rockies

Alberta's Canadian Rockies are an equally memorable international destination, one that offers an ideal summer climate and some of North America's finest golf resorts. Stanley Thompson-designed courses at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and Canmore Golf & Curling Club, Silvertip Resort, and Stewart Creek Golf and Country Club. Each venue supplies great golf, scenic views and even the occasional wildlife sighting. Many are also located within minutes of the charming little resort town of Canmore. Beyond the playing experience, you can expect beautifully manicured greens, award-winning cuisine, and warm, friendly customer service from the providers.

And there is the plethora of after-golf activities on-site and around Canmore to enjoy in the Canadian Rockies including, hiking, biking, fishing, rafting, helicopter tours, spa treatments and more.

There's still time to visit these "cool" golf destinations before summer turns to fall. You don't want to find yourself missing the fairways this winter and wishing you had taken that unforgettable golf trip!