Virginia Golfer Jan / Feb 2019 | Page 32

Family Matters Outer Banks golf destinations that cater to adults and kids alike by IAN GUERIN A large segment of golf travel is revolving more and more around family. Many couples find it easier and more economical to cut down on the number of vacations and take longer ones with everyone in tow. Additionally, marketing to the next generation of players has become a major priority for the industry. Two pockets of the Southeast within a short drive of the heart of Virginia have found inno- vative ways to wrap their stay-and-play packages around the idea of the nuclear golfing family. Parents no longer have to decide which trip to take with their kids, separating for days on end. On-site properties usher the entire group from their vacation housing to the courses and their facilities, with maybe a quick scoot over to the Atlantic or any of the other nearby activities sprinkled in to the day’s plans. The Outer Banks of North Carolina and Hilton Head have long since appealed to golf trips and those concentrating on family vacations. It is safe to say that both lay claim to the sub- section of Virginians and others from around the region who fit the cross section of those two demographics. 30 V I R G I N I A G O L F E R | J A N UA R Y / F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 9