Planning your next golf trip, but not sure where to go? Whether you’re a new golfer looking for a good recommendation, or an experienced golfer looking to try out some new courses, there are a couple of golf trip destinations you should be considering. Here are the best golf trip destinations in the country for 2021.
6. Scottsdale, AZ
No surprise here. Scottsdale has long been considered one of the best cities in the world for golf. In fact, Scottsdale calls itself “The World’s Finest Golf Destination,” and it has the facts to back up that claim. With more than 200 golf courses in the Scottsdale area, over 330 sunny days a year, and a wide range of golf resorts and lodgings to stay at, Scottsdale attracts thousands of golfers from all over the world every year.
Pros:
Wide range of golf courses to choose from, including classic rolling green fairways and desert golf courses
Year-round good weather
Excellent resorts and accommodations
Cons:
The temperature frequently climbs above 100 degrees in the summer. It can get so hot that golf courses sometimes offer discounts to golfers willing to golf in the heat
Courses:
FireRock
Troon North
Silverleaf
The Phoenician
The Boulders
5. Sea Island, GA
Among the best golf trip destinations in the country is Sea Island, GA. Sea Island has been a golf destination since 1928, when the first golf course was established on the island. Today the island offers three exceptional 18-hole courses, with accommodations that are second to none. The culture and economy of the island largely revolve around golf, and the courses attract golfers from all over the world.
Pros:
Stunning coastal golf courses with top instructors and practice greens
Great weather
Cons:
Can get very hot in the summer
Limited number of golf courses compared to other destinations
Courses:
Costal
Plantation
Retreat
4. Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas is a serious golf destination, with four golf courses located on city grounds, and dozens more in the local area. There are great courses in Vegas, with views that you won’t get anywhere else, including championship courses right on the Las Vegas Strip. The range of golf courses means Vegas has something for every golfer, from experienced professionals to absolute beginners.
Pros:
Wide range of golf courses available, and a wide range of prices. Competition from other major Vegas attractions means you can golf for as little as $40 on some courses
Great accommodations and other Vegas attractions to keep you busy while off the course
Cons:
The desert heat can be overwhelming on long golf trips in the summer
The casinos and nightlife can be distracting for some players
Courses:
Angel Park Golf Club
Wolf Creek
Desert Pines Golf Club
Las Vegas Municipal Golf Course
Chimera Golf Club
Durango Hills Golf Club
3. Pinehurst, NC
A historic golf destination, and still one of the best golf trip destinations today, Pinehurst is home to nine world-famous golf courses. The first golf course in Pinehurst was built in 1898, and ever since then, Pinehurst has been a premier golf destination. The famous Pinehurst Resort has hosted multiple U.S. Open Championships, one PGA Championship, and one Ryder Cup. Pinehurst No. 2, the most famous course in the area, has been in operation since 1907, although it has undergone numerous redesigns since then.
Pros:
Great courses, with a wide selection to choose from, all in very close proximity
Variety of luxury accommodations, including three hotels, many rental villas and condos, and many restaurants in the area
Cons:
The accommodations can be pricey, as can the cost to play the most famous course, Pinehurst No. 2, which can range $200-300
Can get cold in the off-season
Courses:
Pinehurst No. 2
Pinehurst No. 4
Pinehurst No. 8
Pinehurst No. 7
2. Bandon, OR
The best golf trip destination on the West Coast, Bandon is home to the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, which features five links and a par-3 golf course located along the scenic Oregon coast. In operation since 1999, Bandon Dunes has become a premier golf destination thanks to its incredible courses, breathtaking scenery, reasonable prices, and great bars, restaurants, and accommodations.
Pros:
Good prices – $250 per round with a replay rate of $125
Good weather – not too hot in the summer, unlike many other courses
Cons:
Golf carts are not permitted, except for medical reasons
Courses:
Pacific Dunes
Bandon Trails
Old Macdonald
Sheep Ranch
1. Pebble Beach, CA
An unincorporated community located on the Monterey Peninsula, Pebble Beach is one of the best golf trip destinations in the world. Featuring seven 18-hole golf courses, and one 9-hole course along the stunning Pebble Beach coast, the area has been called the “greatest meeting of land and sea” in the world. The views are breathtaking, the golf courses are some of the best designed in the world, and the luxury accommodations will make you want to extend your stay as long as possible. Jack Nicklaus once said that if he could only play one round of golf, he would play it at Pebble Beach.
Pros:
Eight championship level golf courses
Incredible views and scenery
Excellent accommodations and entertainment
Cons:
Can be pricey. Green fees over $300 are common.
Courses:
Pebble Beach Golf Links
Spyglass Hill Golf Course
Spanish Bay Golf Links
Pacific Grove Golf Links
See Also: 10 Domestic Beach Vacations That Won’t Break the Bank