THE ONLIEST PLACE I KNOW

Where I live is the only place I know where golf rates plummet so much. Thursday marked the third time I played this week.

So, you say or think? At resort courses that peak in February at $235 per round. Now, to be fair, one of the courses tops out seasonally at about half that. But still too much for my golf budget.

But when the temp reaches 104 as it did yesterday, golf courses drop their rates dramatically. So I teed it up at The Phoenician at 8:27 for $30. I finished just around midday when the temperature remained in the 90's. With 4% humidity. I'll take that.

Earlier in the week I played McCormick Ranch for $28.50 and teed it up at 7:09. Again, not too shabby.

Despite bragging about my deals, I share this info because it's the only place I know that lowers its rate significantly due to the weather. When it rains in Seattle or St. Louis--the Midwest's equivalent, do they drop prices? What about Florida, Vegas, or Biloxi in the warm months? Maybe somewhat, but most courses I know, at least in the Midwest don't change their price because of the conditions.

So if you Snowbirds can take a little heat, can alter your lifestyle by going to sleep early and rising early, want to save golf dollars and, of course, hotel prices, then head to AZ in the early weeks of June.

Just remember to head inside or to the pool at 2:00 or so. And drink plenty of water.