If you love playing golf, there’s nothing better than a golf getaway with friends. Whether you book a round at a local club or turn it into a vacation abroad, you can’t beat hitting the links and cracking a few beers with your golf buddies.
But with thousands of golf resorts all over the world, it’s overwhelming trying to figure out where to go.
In this post, we’ll show you twelve of the most amazing getaways for golf players and give you our tips for planning a golf trip of a lifetime.
Tips for Planning Your Golf Trip
Before we dive into the twelve best golfing locations in the world, we’ve got a few tips to help you plan your trip.
1. Get a Group Together
A golf trip is always better with friends, so start by getting a group together and set up a group chat to make the planning easier.
Most golf tour organizers will tell you that eight is the magic number for a golf trip, but if there are a lot more of you, just make sure you can split into groups of four to go around the course.
Don’t forget that the more there are in your group, the tougher it will be to book flights and accommodation.
2. Get Organized Early
As soon as you know who’s going on your golf trip, it’s time to organize the details. The further you can plan in advance, the smoother the trip will go, and the more affordable it will be for everyone.
Give everyone a responsibility for the trip, so you don’t have to organize everything, and keep in touch over a group chat to make sure nothing is left to the last minute.
3. Pick Your Destination
There are hundreds of golf resorts across the US and abroad, so choosing a destination can be tough. Make sure to read about a few of the resorts listed below before making your final decision!
Don’t forget to factor in the time of year when choosing your destination. If you’re traveling in the colder months, Florida and California are good choices since most courses are open in the winter.
Many courses close during the colder months, and plenty fill up quick during peak season, so figure out where you want to go well ahead of time.
4. Choose Your Courses
It’s always great to tick signature courses off your golfing bucket list, but you’ll have just as much fun with lesser-known courses and golf clubs. Getting into top courses can be tough, so you might have to do some research for alternatives.
When choosing the right golf course for your group, take into account the skills and experience of everyone in your party. Some courses are tough and take skill to complete, so if you’ve got some newbies in the gang, they probably won’t enjoy those as much.
5. Packing for Your Trip
Pack a different golf outfit for each day you plan on playing. Trust us, you’ll get sweaty and won’t want to wear the same shirt more than once. Check on the dress code of each course beforehand and make sure everyone knows to pack accordingly.
“Under Armour is one of my favorite brands for golf shirts. They’re breathable, so great for hotter climates, and are reasonably priced, so you can stock up for your trip.” – Jamie Boudreaux from Golfer Geeks
If you don’t want to transport your golf clubs, most resorts have hire options available, but you will need to book these in advance.
The 12 Best Golf Getaways
From Arizona to Vietnam, we’ve rounded up twelve of the best golf getaway for you and your golf buddies to try out this year.
Moon Palace Resort, Cancun, Mexico
Moon Palace Resort is easily one of our favorite golf getaways anywhere in the world. Who doesn’t want panoramic views of the Caribbean during each round?
Moon Palace is known for its 27-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature course, which is divided into three nine-hole courses.
Plus, after a long day of golf, you can kick back and relax at the Awe Spa, where you can get massages, body treatments, and hydrotherapy.
The resort has two world-class restaurants as well as a club and bars for a much-needed drink after a game.
When you need a break from golf, there is zip lining, snorkeling, hiking, and quad biking nearby. Or you can just kick back and sunbathe on the beach.
Omni PGA Frisco Resort, Frisco, Texas
The Frisco Resort is home to two 18-hole championship golf courses designed by Gil Hanse and Beau Welling – two renowned golf course architects. They’ve also got a huge putting green and The Swing, which is an after-dark ten-hole par-three course that always gets a laugh.
The rooftop infinity pool is a must-try (and adult-only, so perfect for a golf vacation), and the resort has 13 different dining options to try out. Our favorite part was the virtual reality gaming experience, which is great fun after a beer in the bar.
There’s not as much nearby at this resort, but with so much to do on the grounds, you won’t want to leave anyway.
Hoiana Shores, Quang Nam, Vietnam
If you’re looking for more than golfing for your break, Hoiana is a great choice. This resort is a golf course and casino with more than ten bars and restaurants, 140 gaming tables, and a few hundred electronic games to keep your group occupied.
The golf course is situated just on the shores of central Vietnam, on acres of unspoiled natural terrain. The 18 holes are challenging but still suitable for all skill levels.
The course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., who’s known for his sustainable course designs. And the best part is the price point – you get luxury accommodation and an unbeatable location for fantastic prices.
Pinehurst Resort, North Carolina
The US Open 2024 is being hosted at Pinehurst, marking the first time in over a century the USGA has awarded four Opens to a single site in a span of 25 years.
With 11 different courses ranging in difficulty, there is something for everyone at Pinehurst. If you’re taking some golf novices on your trip, they’ll love Thistle Dhu, an 18-hole putting course that will get some serious laughs.
You’ve got three hotels to choose from, or you could stay in style in one of the luxury villas or condos. And if you love fishing, you can even try and catch a largemouth bass on Lake Pinehurst.
Cypress Point Club, Pebble Beach, California
The incredible combination of rocky coast, sand dunes, pine woods, and cypress trees make for a unique and must-try golf course at Pebble Beach.
Alister Mackenzie’s masterpiece opened in 1928 and it’s consistently rated as one of the top courses ever created by Golf Magazine.
The course follows the natural shape of the terrain, taking you through the Del Monte forest during the front nine and along the rocky coastline for the best set of finishing holes you’ll ever play.
#16 is the signature hole, requiring a 231-yard tee shot over the Pacific to a mid-sized green.
As one of the most exclusive golf courses in the world, it’s almost impossible to book a round here without an invite from a member. But if you manage to get on the course, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime game.
“There are plenty of places to stay on the Monterey Peninsula. The Clarion Hotel is great if you’re looking for facilities like an indoor pool and private sauna. Or there’s the Colton Inn if you’re looking for something budget-friendly.” – Laura Lynch from Go Travel California
TPC Sawgrass, Florida
With PGA tour quality standards, the courses at TPC Sawgrass are world-renowned. Home of the Players Championship, the Players Stadium Course is a must if you’re visiting this resort.
The signature island green on the par-3, 17th hole is one of the most recognized in golf and a great bucket list item for many golf lovers.
Nineteen is the name of the in-house restaurant that serves a range of American and continental food. But there are plenty of bars and restaurants nearby if you’re looking for a night on the town.
The TPC Sawgrass provides golf getaway packages, including rooms in the Marriot Hotel, which are great for groups. You’ll also get breakfast, the perfect way to start a long day on the green.
Kiawah Island and Charleston, South Carolina
Pro golfers have put their skills to the test at Kiawah Island Golf Resort during the Ryder Cup, PGA Championship, and other top-level tournaments.
There are five championship courses to choose from, each with its own personality and challenges. We particularly love Oak Point, which requires a little more planning and a little less raw power to excel on.
When it’s time to hit the hay, the resort has a five-star hotel, luxury cottages, and family villas to choose from. The four-bed cottages on the edge of the Ocean Course are perfect for group golf getaways and give you panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Don’t miss out on a signature drink at the Ryder Cup Bar, which gives you a great view of the Ocean Course while you relax.
Westin Rancho Mirage, Scottsdale, Arizona
Sat in Greater Palm Springs, you’ll find a 360-acre resort featuring a championship golf course, outdoor kitchen, pool (with dualling waterslides), and an onsite spa.
This resort is all about fun with its full-size bowling alley, arcade games, and tennis courts.
The golf course is stunning, with breathtaking views of the mountains and surrounding desert. The course is playable by all skill levels, and features Pete Dye’s iconic carries over water.
The onsite Italian restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner (including a delicious breakfast buffet on weekends), so you’ll be able to fuel up for a day of golf.
Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf, Orlando, Florida
How could we make a list of the best golf getaways without a shout-out to Pirate’s Cove in Florida? If you’re looking for a fun getaway with your kids, this is the place to go.
Pirate’s Cove is the ultimate miniature golf experience. You’ll put your way through caves, past a full-size pirate ship, and under cascading waterfalls. The 18-hole miniature course is award-winning and fun for all ages.
The course is about a mile from the Convention Center, making it perfectly placed for a day of fun with the family. Not to mention the giant theme park down the road!
There are about 3,000 vacation rentals in the area, so you’ll have plenty of options for a place to stay.
“If you’re visiting Florida with your kids, did you know there are world-class golf courses in Disney World? Reunion Resort & Golf Club is my best pick – there are three 18-hole courses to choose from, all designed by PGA legends. It’s a must-try if you’re an experienced golfer looking for a challenge while the kids hit the parks.” – Michael L. Moore from Countdown to Magic
Hilton Head, South Carolina
Hilton Head is home to over 26 championship golf courses, including oceanfront courses, traditional parkland courses, and more.
If you’re not sure which course to go for, we love the Sea Pines Resort. It’s one of the most reserved courses in the entire world; it has a renowned collection of par threes that will put your golf skills to the test as well as an 18th hole that’s one of the most recognizable in golf.
Hilton Head isn’t a party town, but if you’re into the outdoors, you’ll love it there. From dolphin spotting on a boat tour to hiking the trails of the Sea Pines Forest Preserve, you’ll wish you had more time to fit it all in.
And since Hilton Head is renowned for its golf, you’ve got your pick of world-class resorts to stay in. Beach House Resort is a golfer favorite, with beachfront views and a huge pool to relax by.
Villa del Palmar Loreto, Islands of Loreto, Mexico
Nestled on the shores of the Loreto Bay National Park, Loreto is a picturesque town in the rolling hills of the Sierra de la Giganta mountains.
The golf course is one-of-a-kind. A masterpiece designed by Rees Jones, it takes you over mountain vistas and through the valleys, arroyos, dunes, and foothills. It’s a challenging course and not for the faint of heart, but it’s a unique experience for golf lovers.
The resort has everything from a beach and pools to a nightclub and fitness center. There are local guides that will take you on tours of the local mountain ranges, and enough themed nights to keep you busy until the early hours.
And the food is out of this world. From fine dining to cocktails at the outdoor bar, you’ll never want to leave this all-inclusive resort.
Horseshoe Bay Resort, Texas
Rounding out our list of the best golf getaways is the Horseshoe Bay Resort in Texas. The resort has three award-winning golf courses, known as the Texas Triangle.
Slick Rock is home to the famous million-dollar hole, one of the most photographed in Texas. The course has dramatic elevations that test the most skilled golf players, but it’s also a great one for most players.
The resort regularly hosts events, so make sure to check out what’s on the calendar when you book. The annual Balloons Over Horseshoe Bay Resort event is something to see but might get in the way of your golf plans.
For golfing holidays, the Palm Villas are perfect. They’re spacious, have unbeatable views, and work great for larger groups.
What’s On Your Golf Getaway Bucket List?
There are some unbelievable golf resorts all over the world, and we’re lucky to have so many award-winning resorts right here in the US.
Whether you’re looking for an action-packed getaway with friends or a relaxed break to hit the links, the resorts in this post have something for everyone.
The only question is, which one will you visit first?