Southeastern roundup: Offseason golf

Golf is more than a seasonal obsession for many players, one that doesn't hibernate like a bear in cold weather. With winter on the way avid golfers with the travel bug will be on the prowl. Many courses in the southeast are open year-round. Whether they're worth your time and money is another matter.

The award-winning courses presented here all fall into certain categories: they are open year-round to the public, within a day's driving distance of Atlanta and affordable. You can get in a good days golf for under $75 on these acclaimed links.

Grand National

Opelika, Ala.

Time and again the Lake and Links courses at Grand National, two hours southwest of Atlanta, have won accolades, including making Golf Magazine's "Top 100 You Can Play" list and earning a spot on Golf Digest's "America's Top 50 Affordable Courses." Grand National is part of Alabama's esteemed Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail that snakes through the state. Lake Saugahatchee at Grand National makes a scenic but imposing presence on many holes. Greens fees start at $45, cart not included ($16). www.rtjgolf.com/grandnational

Stay: University Inn. A motel in downtown Auburn within easy walking distance to shops, restaurants and the picturesque campus. Rates start at $60 (increases during Auburn home game weekends in the fall). 129 N. College St., Auburn. 334-821-4632, www.universityinnauburn.com

Eat: Jimmy's. Chef-owned restaurant serving New Orleans-style cuisine in downtown Opelika. Entrees $7.95-$22.95. 104 South Eighth St., Opelika. 334-745-2155, www.jimmysopelika.com

Tourist info: Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau. 334-887-8747, www.aotourism.com

World Woods

Brooksville, Fla.

The two 18-hole courses at World Woods, 60 miles north of Tampa, are surrounded by a sea of trees, sand and barren scrub land. Pine Barrens is the signature course here, inspired and named after the historic Pine Valley Golf Club in New Jersey. Indeed, golfers will find plenty of pine trees and barren sandy areas to navigate. The Rolling Oaks course is currently undergoing a major renovation, scheduled to re-open in November.

Designer Tom Fazio has said of World Woods, "This is my best work." Greens fees start at $40, cart included. www.worldwoods.com

Stay: Chassahowitzka Hotel. Small family-run hotel near World Woods offering golf packages. Room rates start at $50; golf packages at $150 between Nov. 1st and Dec. 31st. 8551 W. Miss Maggie Drive, Chassahowitzka, Fla. 352-382-2075, www.chazhotel.com

Eat: Hungry Thyme Cafe. Oldest eatery in Brooksville, serving breakfast, sandwiches, southern specialties and homemade bread. Entrees and sandwiches $5.99 and under. 13 S. Brooksville Ave., Brooksville, 352-796-2633 [no website]

Tourist info: Hernando County Tourism Bureau. 800-601-4580, www.naturallyhernando.org

Bear Trace at Harrison Bay

Harrison, Tenn.

Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the course at Harrison Bay on Chickamuga Lake is part of the Tennessee Golf Trail and only a 20-minute drive from downtown Chattanooga. Located inside a state park, there are no houses or development around the course, just a heavily wooded forest and lots of water. Twelve fairways touch the water here and its not uncommon to see wildlife such as white-tailed deer as you play. In 2000 Harrison Bay was voted one of the Best Bargain Courses in the United States by Maximum Golf magazine. Greens fees start at $32 and include a cart. www.tngolftrail.net/beartrace/harrisonbay

Stay: Stone Fort Inn. A 20-room boutique hotel in downtown Chattanooga. Rates start at $115. 120 East 10th St., Chattanooga. 423-267-7866, www.stonefortinn.com

Eat: Lupi's Pizza Pies. Locally owned and operated pizzeria featuring handmade dough and sauces daily. Slices start at $1.90, whole pies at $10.35. 406 Broad St., Chattanooga. 423-266-5874, www.lupi.com

Tourist info: Chattanooga Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. 2 Broad St., Chattanooga. 423-756-8687, www.chattanoogafun.com

Audubon Park