Recently, during a trip to northwest Florida, I had the opportunity to stop by the SouthWood Golf Club in Tallahassee. I have written about SouthWood before – how they were chosen as the “Best Course” in Tallahassee among many other honors.

The golf club – run by GM Beth Murphy - is as good as I had heard. Hole #14, an uphill dogleg right Par 4, and #16, a downhill Par 5 are my favorites. #14 requires you to challenge the huge oak tree and multiple bunkers on the right corner to get a shorter shot into the green. Get too close and the tree will hinder your approach shot so be careful.

On #16, you stand at the top of the hill and just blast away, hoping to set up a second shot attempt at the green or at least an easier lay up shot. Head PGA Professional Mike Durat likes #15 with a well-positioned tree in the fairway making you really think about the placement of your tee shot.

If you’d like to save 33% off the normal golf rates you may contact them regarding a Player’s Card. The clubhouse also offers a friendly dining area with great food and a well-stocked Pro Shop.

This trip, I was able to spend the night in one of the charming cottages built on the grounds of the old SouthWood House. The cottages are diminutive quarters that have tin roofs, wooden floors and two rooms: one, a little living room with fireplace and the other a bedroom with country-style furnishings. Hidden away is a mini-fridge, microwave and a traditional looking, but modern, bathroom. Just the thing for a night away from a standard hotel room. Anne Davis runs the SouthWood House and Cottages and can help you with your housing needs if you plan to stay overnight.

Anne gave me a tour of the historic SouthWood House which was originally erected in downtown Tallahassee around 1865. In 1939, the house was moved to its present location on the picturesque hill surrounded by ancient live oak trees. The house has recently been beautifully renovated and is now available for weddings, meetings and such, and I must say it offers some great ambiance. If you are looking for wonderful golf with a quaint overnight stay be sure to check out SouthWood.

You can see more about SouthWood at: http://www.joetowns.com/southwood/golf_home.asp .