Homebuyer Highlights: Golf Gave the Goodings the Trip of a Lifetime on the Road to Move-In Day
For Barry and Kim Gooding, the journey from Seattle to their new Lee Wetherington Home was more than a move – it was an exhilarating adventure, outside their norm. Roughly a year prior to settling into the Islands on the Manatee River in November 2024, the Goodings were faced with a choice: ship both cars and fly to Florida or transform their already-exciting relocation into a cross-country road trip. Barry and Kim, who had always flown for vacations and never experienced more than small road trips, ultimately turned the move into an unforgettable 12-state tour, centered on golfing at sought-after courses.
“We decided on a road trip so we could visit states we hadn’t been to before and see some long-distance friends along the way, said Kim. “Shortly after we made the decision to drive, we decided to take our time and golf as many courses along the way that we could. It was absolutely amazing.”
Their multi-state trek was a blend of scenic, eye-catching landscapes, challenging course designs and unexpected discoveries. Zion National Park and its stunning vistas left a mark on Barry and Kim. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park and its towering sandstone buttes, nestled along the borders of Utah and Arizona, was a breathtaking experience – outside their original itinerary at the suggestion of Barry’s brother.
Kim also had the opportunity to finally play at Wolf Creek Golf Club in Mesquite, Nev. – Barry’s favorite course. Their road trip even included a stop to see a friend in Frisco, Tex., staying in a hotel across the street from Ford Center at The Star, and a round of golf at the Preserve Golf Club near Biloxi, Miss.
“He has always wanted to take me there and I’m so glad he did,” said Kim, describing Wolf Creek. “It’s now my favorite course. I have never seen anything like it.
“The drive through Southern Utah was amazing – so beautiful.”
Barry and Kim’s interests in golf developed at different phases in their lives. Barry took it up as a teenager, testing his swing at the driving range near his home – and started playing often when he joined a country club in Seattle roughly 16 years ago. Barry wanted Kim to join in his passion, but she not only didn’t have the time but characterized herself as “so bad” the few times she played.
It wasn’t until Kim retired that she finally – after several attempts by Barry – fell in love with golf.
“Barry even bought me a set of golf clubs one Mother’s Day so I could play with him, and I took them back,” said Kim. “I wanted nothing to do with the sport. Once I retired and had the time to put into getting back, he bought me golf clubs again and coached me.
“Once Barry retires, there will be a lot of golf trips in our future.”
In the Islands – particularly within their custom home – Barry and Kim can experience the game they love in just minutes. They not only joined Waterlefe Golf & River Club but also designed their custom home to fit a cutting-edge golf simulator, which features software with a range of capabilities, from analyzing club head speed, spin rates and launch angles to allowing users to play iconic courses across the world. Their custom home has truly become a beloved entertainment space for watching sports and playing the game that gave them the road trip of a lifetime.
But there’s more in store for Barry and Kim, near their new community.
“The golf is incredible here,” said Kim. “We love exploring the beaches in the area and all of the wonderful restaurants in Bradenton and Sarasota. We love the water and all of the wildlife in Florida.
“It’s so different from the Pacific Northwest. We’re very excited to get a boat and experience Florida fishing – and we love the weather here and waking up to sunshine just about every day. … We’re never leaving here!”