Activities
For the 24 million golf enthusiasts in the US, a holiday without golf could be likened to a golf ball without dimples – seriously below par. Dude Ranch vacations are a great way to combine a unique and unforgettable holiday with a spot of your favorite sport and with many properties boasting premium standard courses on site, there’s no need to worry about traveling to hit the fairways either. Our top tips will ensure your golfing ranch holiday is guaranteed to hit the ‘sweet spot’.
Choose Your Location Wisely
Why travel to an off-site course when you can have a full 18-hole course within putting distance of your ranch. Pick a ranch with a golf course on the property to ensure you pack as much golf into your stay as possible. Rancho de los Caballeros in Arizona, is a great example, where you can tee off at one of Golf Digest’s top 100 US courses. If you’re traveling with family there’s a wealth of other activities to keep them occupied while you’re on the golf course. A full kids program will keep the young ones entertained, and other family members can choose from shooting sports, or a spot of relaxation in the spa and of course horseback riding comes as standard. Similar facilities can be found at Mountain Sky Ranch in Montana and A Bar A Ranch in Wyoming.
18 holes of golf with a beautiful view at Rancho de los Caballeros in Arizona
Be Game Ready
To those who don’t play golf, it may seem like one of the more relaxed sports but the average 18-hole course is over 4.03 miles and most golfers walk much further than the course length during a game. Add to that long hike the strength, power and agility needed to repeatedly swing the clubs (up to 300 times in a game) and hit the ball up to 300 meters– not to mention carrying the kit (unless you’ve brought your caddy along); it’s clear that a round of golf equals a demanding workout. Regular moderate cardio at least three times a week in the lead-up to your stay will ensure you have the stamina to tackle the course as many times as you desire throughout your vacation. There are also exercises that can significantly improve your performance on the course. Warming up for instance can improve scores as well as limit the chance of injury. Similarly, stretching will give you a much better swing.
Play a round of golf on one of the most unique golf courses in the west at Mountain Sky Guest Ranch in Montana.
Be an Early ‘Birdie’
Whilst on vacation you may be tempted to hit the snooze button and idle in bed until lunchtime but when it comes to an early tee time, the early ‘birdie’ really does catch the worm. Not only will you be fresher, more alert and less fatigued from other activities. Get to the course early and you’ll enjoy fresh greens and fairways – spike mark and divot free – and most likely you’ll have the course to yourself to play at your own pace (no waiting for the next tee or rushing to alleviate the queue behind you). It’ll also leave the rest of the day to enjoy the wealth of activities along with the history, heritage and hospitality of your ranch stay.
Dude Ranch stays are always memorable and offer the opportunity to take part in a wide range of outdoor activities (not just horseback riding), so why not combine your favorite pastime with an outdoor adventure like nothing else?
The Dude Ranchers’ Association
Still not sure which dude ranch vacation or location is for you? We can help. Use our find a ranch tool or contact us for more information!
Save this pin for golf lovers!
