WEST POINT, MI. - The maroon coloured cap sits on my mantle like a trophy. The fabled Mississippi State University bulldog mascot known as “Bully” is embossed on its side. Above the brim sits a cupola with a pennant flying proudly above.

SANTEE, SOUTH CAROLINA - When does a “truck stop” become a “must stop” for northern golfers looking for quality courses in the cooler months without a whole lot of cold hard cash in their pockets?

TUNICA, MI. - We arrived in Memphis by air, took a 30-minute drive south – passing Elvis Presley’s former Graceland Estate along the way - and stopped in this self proclaimed “Casino Capital of the South” around noon.

GREAT ABACO ISLAND - The first time Sean Connery (yes, THAT Sean Connery) stood on the opening tee at The Abaco Club's magnificent new golf course, he apparently scanned the breathtaking scenery that surrounds it, and, in his thick brogue, said: "Lads, this reminds me of Scotland."

BALD HEAD ISLAND, N.C. - Just a few minutes into our journey on a ferry boat packed with vacationers, a young shipmate spots some dolphins playing in the choppy surf.

SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. - The man behind the wheel of our rental car zigged when he should have zagged at the roundabout and suddenly we were travelling in the opposite direction of our intended destination, Pinehurst.

NEW ORLEANS - There's a trail of money being left all over the United States by golfers. That's right, trails that stretch from California to Virginia are being paved with the billions of dollars - $30 billion (U.S.) last year alone, according to American statistics - that golfers are dropping while enjoying their favourite sport.

PINEHURST, N.C. - Playing golf by yourself while on vacation is not very rewarding if there’s no one there to appreciate your accomplishments - or to verify them!

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA - The young attendant greeted us to Kiawah Island’s magnificent Ocean Course with a “howdy” and “did you bring enough balls?”

PINEHURST. N.C. - My dream-come-true round of golf on the legendary No. 2 course at Pinehurst Resort was about to reach a painful conclusion thanks to the set of blisters that had attached themselves to my hands during the game.