Mulligans and Miles

As one of the fastest-growing cities in the continental US, Austin has become a frequented destination for leisure and business. Originally home to the landmark campus of the University of Texas and a vibrant music-scene, the city now contains a significant corporate infrastructure. Multiple large-scale tech companies are headquartered in Austin, bringing with them an influx of new residents. As employees relocate to ATX, their presence increases demands for a service economy to cater to a growing population. Air travel is no exception to these increased demands. Austin's substantial growth has created the need for a large-scale, modern airport to move residents and travelers to and from the city. Government officials recognized this need years ago, initiating plans to convert the decommissioned Bergstrom Air Force Base into an international airport in 1995. Austin's previous airport (Mueller Municipal) could no longer handle the increased passenger and aircraft numbers the cit...

One of the most recognizable layouts in golf, TPC Scottsdale is familiar to virtually any golfer with a baseline knowledge of the game. The complex now includes two 18-hole courses: the Tom Weiskopf / Jay Morrish-designed Stadium course (completed 1986) and the Randy Heckenkemper-designed Champions course (replaced the previous Weiskopf / Morrish Desert course in 2007) 1 . Although both courses provide championship-level play, golfers undeniably associate the Stadium course with its associated annual PGA Tour event- The Waste Management Phoenix Open. Although title sponsors have changed since its inception, the tournament has been staged at the Stadium course since its opening 34 years ago. Consistent with the mission of TPC courses, the Stadium layout provides ample room for crowds on a high-profile layout 2 . The back 9 specifically reflects this mission, set in a large ravine with gentle mounds surrounding each hole to accommodate spectators. Golfers traveling to the Phoenix area ...

Built on a quarry, Rock Hollow Golf Club offers a unique opportunity for golf in the state of Indiana. The course first opened in 1995, and immediately gained notoriety. During its inaugural year, it was named #8 on Golf Digest's list of the Best New Public Courses in America. Rock Hollow has earned numerous honors since its opening, including a position on Golf Digest's Top 100 Public Golf Courses. It is consistently named as one of the top public facilities in Indiana. PGA Tour winner Chris Smith calls Rock Hollow home.    The appeal of Rock Hollow stems from its simplicity. Situated in Peru, Indiana off US-31, the course occupies an isolated, serene piece of land. Only a few houses line the course. Beyond these houses, the course is surrounded by nature. Golf purists will find comfort in Rock Hollow's sole focus on golf. The clubhouse is a nondescript metal-sided building, which resembles more of a quarry office than a clubhouse. Although simple, the course and its facil...

Philadelphia, which served as the primary European gateway for legacy US Airways, is solidifying its role as a major transatlantic hub for American Airlines. Although pre-merger American routed European traffic through JFK, the post-merger strategy clearly utilizes PHL as the carrier's major European gateway. With new routes and new planes (Boeing 787), PHL will certainly play a major role in American's growing international route network. Travelers originating or transiting through PHL benefit from a choice between 4 Admirals Clubs. Although the airport may have garnered a poor reputation in the past, due to it's Eastern seaboard location with associated weather delays and the relatively constrained aspect of the airport's geography (located along the Delaware), the terminal facilities are modernized and clean. Regardless of the conditions outside the terminal, travelers inside PHL's concourses can comfortably shop, dine, and recharge at a variety of location...

Located in upstate South Carolina, Clemson University's Walker Course represents a worthwhile diversion for golfers passing through the region. Clemson's campus is close to an hour drive from Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP), and easily accessible by car. Designed by DJ DeVictor, the course is home to the Clemson Men's and Women's golf teams. As one might expect, the practice facilities are expansive and well-maintained. The short-game area features multiple greens and bunkers. The driving range provides ample space for student athletes and visitors. The clubhouse is clean and functional, providing a full service dining area and a pro shop stocked with Clemson Golf gear. Perhaps the most notable aspect of the Walker Course beyond the actual golf course is the pro shop staff. Courteous, professional, and flexible, the staff ensure patrons experience the Walker Course without hassle. A large conference center sits adjacent to the course, which offe...

Travelers to DFW are offered a wide array of dining and shopping venues throughout the facility. This diversity is also characteristic of DFW's airline lounges, with multiple options present throughout the airport's five concourses. For Admirals Club members, DFW offers a choice between more than one large-scale, high quality lounge. The newly-renovated Admirals Club in Terminal A is no exception. Located across from gate A24, the outer entrance to the Club is unassuming. Yet, the further flyers progress into the Club's interior, it's size and grandeur become progressively evident.  Upon checking in with the reception agents in the open-air, two story lobby, guests can ascend the elevators or stairs to the main level. A well-appointed entry, with an impressive world atlas mural, ushers members into the Club. Furnishings and decor are consistently modern and clean throughout the facility.This contemporary feel contributes to a sense of order and serenity, in...