by David O'Brien

Created on: August 06, 2009   Last Updated: September 07, 2009

This is a question that is very dear to my heart. I have played golf in several states, in all months of the year. Not every state is qualified to offer up play year around. As for the ones which allow continuous play opportunities, playing in extreme heat is not a desire for most golfers.

The difference between 120 degree with low humidity, and 95 and humid, is very little in my mind. Living in Michigan myself, hot weather to me is 85 or greater, which seems quite low for some. Our season is a short one, but very pleasurable once it does arrive. I must say I have yet to play in 120 degree heat out west, but this would seem very hot to me. I have played in 95-100 degree heat in Florida, and this is very sticky indeed. The benefit to hot weather golf, is cheap prices. I also encounter low priced golf in Michigan, but this is when the weather is cold in spring and fall. So where is the best place to dwell in this great country of the USA, to play great public golf?

I have to determine in a few specific ways. 1. How many months can you play comfortably, without too many layers? 2. How much rain do you have to deal with? 3. How many months are too hot to enjoy your round? 4. How long is the winter season, if this category pertains.

Florida. Great choice of courses. Somewhat flat terrain. Lots of water. Nice wildlife to view. Weather that is nice during the winter months. Large area of places to play. Very hot muggy summer months, generally late may to early September.

Arizona. Scenic terrain. Elevation is optimal. Tough terrain, a strong need for watering. Minimal wildlife to view regularly. Summer is hot and dry. Winter months are cool to moderate.

Texas. Large area of courses. A good variety of environment; water, elevation, desert, woods, and heather grass. Windy conditions, which will help playing other courses out of state. Hot summers, many potential days exceeding 100 degrees. Winter can produce snow in some areas, but generally wont last. To play golf in the winter would require a layer or two for comfort.

Michigan. Many levels of choice in quality. Much hillier as you travel up north. Some hidden gems everywhere. Fair amount of rain from spring through fall. Cold weather season is long, from November to April. Lush environment; hardwoods, marsh, hills, water views from elevations, abundant sand and rich soil. Shoulder season is sketchy for consistant weather.

I chose just a few states as examples. Is would be safe to compare Wisconsin with Michigan, just as Oklahoma might compare to Texas in many ways. Arizona and New Mexico as well, just as Georgia and Alabama could pertain to most parts of Florida. I mean no harm to not mention the many avid choices of great golf that can be had in the USA.

So to answer this question of what state provides the best public golf, my answer would be Florida all around. That surely doesn't mean the other areas should ever be disregarded by any means.

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