Ft. Lauderdale FL Golf Weekend

PGATour.com/Links Magazine, 3/11

Golf Magazine, 2/12, 3/11

Destination: Fort Lauderdale

Located between Miami and Palm Beach, the city is one of the most popular destinations in the state. Water is the main attraction, from the canal system that gives Fort Lauderdale its nickname, the "Venice of America," to its large port, the launching point for numerous cruise ships. There are also plenty of land-based attractions, from the shops, restaurants and galleries of downtown's Las Olas Boulevard to the numerous golf courses in the area.

WHERE TO PLAY

Club at Emerald Hills: If you think you have the game, take on the 7,368-yard challenge designed by Bruce Devlin and Robert von Hagge. The wind adds to the challenges created by the imposing sand and water hazards. Just be sure to save your strength for the final hole, a 651-yarder on which water comes into play on all three (or more) shots to the green.

Heron Bay Golf Club: Formerly part of the TPC network, the Mark McCumber-designed layout was the host of the Honda Classic from 1997 to 2002. Winners at Heron Bay include Stuart Appleby, Vijay Singh and long-time local resident Dudley Hart. The course is now attached to the Marriott Coral Springs.

Jacaranda Golf Club: Of the facility's 36 holes, the East is the backbreaker, measuring 7,245 yards. But both courses have benefited from recent renovations that have made the classic Florida layouts seem like new.

Golf Magazine's Travelin' Joe says another affordable option nearby is Inverrary Country Club ($35-$70; 954-733-7550, www.inverrarygolf.com) in Lauderhill. Its recently renovated East course is a 1970 Robert Trent Jones Sr. design that played host to the Honda's forerunner, the Jackie Gleason Inverrary Classic, from 1972 to 1983. Lee Trevino, Tom Weiskopf, Johnny Miller and Hale Irwin were among the victors here. But there was no greater champion than Jack Nicklaus, who won back-to-back in '77-'78, the latter in one of the greatest finishes in Tour history, when he birdied the final five holes, including a chip-in, to nip Grier Jones by one. The course itself isn't hauntingly memorable, but delivers good bang for the buck.

WHERE TO STAY

Atlantic Resort & Spa: Located along Fort Lauderdale's famous beach, the 124-room property melds modern design with classic touches like dark wood and marble flooring. Centrally located, the resort allows for easy access to the water, Las Olas Boulevard and South Florida's other attractions.

Pillars Hotel: The comfortable boutique hotel offers the luxury of a resort property with decor and ambiance that make guests feel as if they were in a welcoming home. That sense extends to the hotel's dining room, open only to guests and members of the Secret Garden Society, the hotel's private dining club.

Riverside Hotel: Located on Las Olas Boulevard and featuring a courtyard, the 202-room property has an Old World feel and charm. Guests can step outside and be within walking distance of myriad shops, restaurants and galleries.

WHERE TO EAT

Grille 66 & Bar: Steak, seafood and the extensive wine list taste better in the restaurant's setting, along the Intracoastal Waterway. Try to get an outdoor table to fully appreciate the atmosphere, scenery and food.

Sublime Restaurant and Bar: Owner Nanci Alexander shows that an all-natural, all-vegan menu can yield a memorable dining experience in a well-decorated space that rivals those of other high-end eateries. Throw out your preconceived notions of vegetarian fare when you step inside.

3030 Ocean: Located in the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa, the restaurant features an ever-changing menu that takes advantage of the fresh catches of the day, which Chef Dean James Max converts into dishes that are testing the boundaries of modern American cuisine.

Golf Magazine's Ask Travelin' Joe, 2/12

There are no “must-plays” in Ft. Lauderdale, but there are definitely a fistful of solid choices that fit your description. Start with the Club at Emerald Hills ($45-$125; 954-961-4000, www.theclubatemeraldhills.com), in nearby Hollywood, a water-loaded, 1970 Devlin/Von Hagge creation that boasts surprising elevation changes for South Florida and is fearsome challenge as well, as evidenced by the 76.1 rating and 145 slope from its 7,368-yard tips. In February and March, you can play it after noon during the week for $90.

An option with a serious tournament pedigree is Inverrary Country Club’s East course ($35-$70;954-733-7550, www.inverrarygolf.com) in Lauderhill. Host to the PGA Tour’s Jackie Gleason event from 1972 through 1983, forerunner to the current Honda Classic, this 42-year-old Robert Trent Jones Sr. design witnessed winners such as Lee Trevino, Johnny Miller and Jack Nicklaus during its run. Nicklaus’s 1978 victory featured birdies on the final five holes, one of the Golden Bear’s most dramatic regular tour wins.

Finally, if you love sand, you’ll warm to Heron Bay ($85-$105; 954-796-2000, www.heronbaygolfclub.net) in Coral Springs, which played host to the PGA Tour’s Honda event from 1997 through 2002, back when the course fell under the TPC umbrella. Vijay Singh, Matt Kuchar and Mark Calcavecchia were among the men who won titles here. The conditioning, service and facilities are top-notch, but if you’re allergic to bunker play, find somewhere else.

Zane Lamprey's Drinking Made Easy Guide To Ft. Lauderdale (2010):

FROZEN FARE IN FORT LAUDERDALE

When you find yourself in the heat and humidity of Southern Florida, you might want to venture out for an ice cream treat. At Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant you can find almost 40 different flavors, from classics like Rocky Road and Chocolate Chip to more unusual flavors like Maple Walnut and Crème Caramel. While only one person has ever finished it, if you’re feeling daring, try their gigantic specialty, “The Kitchen Sink” a combination of 4 enormous scoops of ice cream, various sauces, whipped cream, banana, nuts and cherries.

Jaxson’s | 128 South Federal Highway, Dania Beach, FL 33004 | (954) 923-4445

Another local place to satisfy your sweet tooth is Goofles Ice & Custard. Featuring homemade Italian ice, homemade frozen custard and premium ice cream, Goofles is also a strong philanthropic supporter in the local community.