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Old Greenwood in Truckee is one of several nice layouts in the Lake Tahoe area and among a number of great courses the magazine editor has played.
Old Greenwood in Truckee is one of several nice layouts in the Lake Tahoe area and among a number of great courses the magazine editor has played.

I moved to Southern California 16 years ago for a change of scenery and, even though it was a journalism job that brought me here, the West Coast Swing played a role in the enticement.

That might sound odd, but the lure of the ocean and year-round golf is huge, especially for golf fanatics in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa or Wisconsin (my previous states) watching tournaments at Torrey Pines, Riviera or in Palm Springs in January and February. On the TV screen is gorgeous scenery and people strolling fairways, while out Midwest windows are icicles and people shoveling snow.

Because of the PGA Tour’s wraparound schedule, the West Coast Swing is no longer the start of the season, but that doesn’t diminish the allure of our regional events. We’re highlighting those in this month’s issue with interviews from defending champions Bill Haas, Jason Day and James Hahn.

We’re also spotlighting the Southland’s five regions with opinions on the best spots for golf. It’s a subjective list, as most Best Of pieces are, but hopefully we can shed light on and intrigue you to visit a course you haven’t played.

Speaking of best (a clunky segue, for sure), I’ve had a chance in previous years to travel to a lot of courses and golf resorts outside the Southland. Aside from airports and the airline industry’s trend toward poor customer service, I love to travel, see new places and meet new people. Here’s a brief list of some of my favorites, in case wanderlust hits you this year.

High Sierras: The region encompassing Lake Tahoe, Truckee and Reno is one of the most picturesque places I’ve seen. And I imagine it’s even prettier in the winter. It’s only a six-month golf season, but the courses are immaculate, and bouncing from one site to the other is a pleasant journey because of the stunning scenery.

Alberta: See above but bring a passport because the province is in Canada. (Didn’t know you were getting a geography lesson, too, eh?) The Canadian Rockies are breathtaking, and the golf courses in Banff and Jasper are gorgeous, as are the ones in between those towns along the Icefields Parkway.

Hawaii: Visiting the Islands only feels like you need a passport because of the state’s remote location. I’ve been to Kauai, Maui, Oahu and Lanai, and all are beautiful spots. But I like Kauai best because of its casual vibe and the number of great courses a short distance apart. Oahu’s North Shore is also spectacular, but if I can’t handle the 3-foot waves in Huntington Beach I have no shot on the 15-footers there.

Portugal: Even if we didn’t golf six times in seven days, this trip would have been both a blast and educational. Lisbon is an attractive city with cool architecture, and the Algarve on the south side of the country has endless beaches and is a bit like the French Riviera. Or so I’m told. Note to self: Visit the French Riviera.

World Golf Village: It isn’t like Canton or Cooperstown, but the Hall of Fame for golf in St. Augustine, Fla., is pretty cool nonetheless. The setup around it is like a village, hence the name, and there are six courses on the grounds or nearby that are woodsy and fun to play.

Scottsdale: This mecca of golf is equal parts quirky, elegant, casual and fun. Being a soil-rich Midwest guy, the desert has always taken some getting used to, but I’ve sucked it up and adapted to the nearby region’s luxurious resorts, great food, margaritas and nice courses. Change is good!

Los Cabos: I’m not sure if Jack Nicklaus owns property on the southernmost tip of the Baja Peninsula but he has had the opportunity to work on some of the most beautiful land in North America. The Golden Bear’s latest golf course design is Quivira, his sixth in Los Cabos and another stunner with holes routed by seaside cliffs, dunes and desert foothills.

I could go on, but since Quivira is officially at Land’s End, this seems like a good place to stop. Happy New Year! And may all your 2016 journeys be safe.