Follow the links

In between travels, while either on your living room couch or at the airport headed to your next destination, perusing social media can provide the inspiration to book an upcoming round of golf or trip — either close to home or hundreds of miles away.

This is the first in a periodic series that highlights golf travel and destination websites, and social media accounts that every golfer should follow.

Black Desert Resort Golf Course, Ivins, Utah. :: Photo: Brian Oar

BLACK DESERT RESORT

INSTAGRAM: @blackdesertresort
WEBSITE: BlackDesertResort.com
YOUTUBE: @BlackDesertResort

Nestled among Greater Zion, between black lava beds and towering cliffs, is Black Desert Resort, a new golf destination featuring the Black Desert Golf Course in Ivins, Utah. 

The mountain west landscape is not the only notable feature of the new course. At less than a year old, Black Desert is the last course designed by Tom Weiskopf, features an amphitheater-style 19th hole and will host the Black Desert Championship, a PGA Tour FedEx Cup event debuting October 2024. 

Golf travelers have the opportunity to be among the first to stay at the resort when Black Desert opens its accommodations this fall. The destination will feature a golf village, a family village and a desert boardwalk with shopping and dining options for the entire family. 


GOLF IN YOUR STATE

INSTAGRAM: @golfinyourstate
WEBSITE: GolfInYourState.com
YOUTUBE: @golfinyourstate

What started as a “golf nomad” adventure has led Matt Cardis all across the United States, traveling over 120,000 miles while connecting with over thousands of golfers nationwide — even taking the U.S. Open trophy on a tour to some of the most notable courses in America.

A photographer and digital creator by trade, Cardis documents the culture of American golf through the windshield of his Sprinter van, often parked in golf course parking lots, nearby rest stops or local golfers’ driveways. 

From dynamically edited Reels to partnerships with some of the biggest names in golf, Cardis makes any golf travel destination look worthwhile. 


BROOKLYN GREENS

INSTAGRAM: @brooklyngreensgolf
WEBSITE: BrooklynGreensGolf.com

For many, New York City can be deemed “the greatest city in the world” but for the golf traveler, that might not be the case. For avid golfers spending time in the Big Apple, Brooklyn Greens offers an appealing compromise. 

A virtual golf simulator and instruction center, Brooklyn Greens is at the forefront of growing the game in the Williamsburg community.

Home to several of Foresight Sports’ GC Hawk simulators, expansive putting and chipping greens, a pro shop and snack bar, this urban club offers instruction from owner and PGA Professional Nick Teodosio, as well as regular league nights and tournaments throughout the year. 


PINEHURST RESORT

INSTAGRAM: @pinehurstresort
WEBSITE: Pinehurst.com
YOUTUBE: @pinehurstresort

Ahead of the U.S. Open this June, Pinehurst’s official account may seem like an obvious follow, but there’s never been a better time to keep up with the action at Pinehurst than right now. 

2024 kicks off Pinehurst’s run as the first anchor site of the U.S. Open, set to return to the sandhills in 2029 and again every six years until 2047. This year will not only see the fourth Pinehurst U.S. Open, but the highly anticipated opening of Pinehurst No. 10, a Tom Doak design. 

Staying up-to-date on happenings at Pinehurst will hopefully inspire any golf traveler to visit the historic destination sometime before 2047, booking a stay at the recently-renovated Magnolia Inn and playing a few rounds between the (almost) 10 courses. 


LINKS GEMS

INSTAGRAM: @linksgems
TWITTER: @LinksGems
WEBSITE: LinksGems.com

One might expect golf travel trends to be influenced by the location of a major or the opening of a favored course architect’s new project. Jon Cavalier’s work as a golf photographer may change that assumption.

With over a decade of golf photography under his belt, Cavalier has documented his rounds on his popular Instagram (@linksgems) and website. From clubhouse views at Woods Hole Golf Club on Cape Cod to sweeping drone shots of Shinnecock Hills, it’s hard not to look at Cavalier’s work and begin adding courses to your bucket list.

When he’s not showcasing the beauty of golf courses across the country, Cavalier is known to feature his dog, Gracie, on his feed.