Golf + (Travel/Leisure + Adrenaline) = Extreme Golf

Some women golfers say that traditional golf is a combination of offensive plaid slacks, appalling hats, and disturbing shoes that daintily walk through strawberry fields (forever). Do you love golf, but want to kick it up a notch? Extreme golf is a fantastic way to challenge yourself with naturally occurring obstacles and hazardous terrains that might not (read: “are not and probably will never”) be available at your local country club.

Elfego Baca Golf Shoot

Ouch! One hole, par 50? The Elfego Baca Golf Shoot, also known as the Hilton Open, has been bringing golfers from all over the world to the top of Socorro Peak (7,243 feet above sea level and 2550 feet down) in New Mexico since the 1970s. The pin is located around three miles away and takes at least four hours to reach, especially when you’re allowed up to 20 minutes to find a lost ball! Beware of the mine shafts!

Current title holder Mike Stanley has won with an amazing 9, but not to worry, the scorecard goes up to 75 and at each drive, you are permitted to tee the ball. It is important to note, however, that you are allowed a total of ten balls and you must finish with at least one of them! Why not try and beat the record as the first woman golfer!

The bare essentials for the Elfego Baca trek:

• Hiking boots
• Sunscreen
• A square carpet (on which to tee the ball!)
• Three (you'll need them) spotters to assist you in keeping track of your ball
• One official scorekeeper (provided for you, courtesy of the Shoot)
• One member of the Emergency Medical Team(!)

Despite the rattlesnakes and the possibility of losing your ball in an overgrown New Mexican sage bush, the Elfego Baca Golf Shoot is an exhilarating, visually stimulating adventure. It is not, however, for women golfers who are faint of heart.

The Elfego Baca Golf Shoot is held every June. Call 505.835.8211 or click the above link for the web site.

World Ice Golf Championship

For some frosty fun, try the World Ice Golf Championship in Uummannaq, Greenland. Since the course is created annually in the Polar Circle, the weather is naturally quite Arctic, but dry. This creates an environment that is crisp and breathtaking, with thirteen to fifteen hours of sunlight to enjoy the view.

The course is a nine holes, par 35 or 36. Since you're playing on a changing foundation - literally - the holes are readily changing with the snow and ice! Red tees are available for women, and golfers of all skill levels are welcome. Conveniently, all of the balls are neon red in color, so they are easy to spot from far away.

The bare essentials for the World Ice Golf Championship experience:

• Sunglasses
• Warm boots – those golf shoes won’t cut it!
• Several layers of clothing rather than a coat or jacket makes for an easier swing as well as the option of removing layers
• Winter golf gloves – if you plan on having any manual dexterity at all
• A good sense of humor – Remember, you will be golfing on ice, which will undoubtedly make the ball do things that seem impossible

Although the title of “Winner” is certainly craved by many, the majority of the participants are there for the golf vacation of their lives, not to mention the amazing thrill of the perfect drive right next to a nature-made ice sculpture.

The next World Ice Golf Championship is scheduled for March 19th to March 24th 2009. Email info@icegolfgreenland.com or click on the link above.