Luke is an avid weekend-warrior golfer from the East Coast who plays golf more than he cares to admit.
Are you planning your next golf trip and looking for the best golf destinations to play golf courses or stay at golf resorts? Look no further than these top golf destinations that offer an unparalleled golf experience, fun golf, and off-course attractions. From stunning coastal courses to mountain views, these golf destinations offer a range of options for golfers of all skill levels.
Golf Courses
A golf course is a facility designed for playing golf. Some of the best golf courses are:
Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Kiawah Island Golf Resort is a beautiful barrier island located off the coast of South Carolina. It’s home to five championship golf courses, each designed by a different golf legend. The island also features beautiful beaches and plenty of other activities, such as kayaking and biking.
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort is a golf resort located on the coast of Oregon. It features five distinct courses, each with its unique challenges and breathtaking views. The resort also offers a variety of other activities, such as fishing and hiking, making it a great destination for non-golfers as well.
Pebble Beach Golf Links
Pebble Beach Golf Links is a renowned golf course located on the Monterey Peninsula in California. It boasts a beautiful course overlooking the Pacific Ocean, making it one of the most scenic courses in the world.
The Old Course at St. Andrews
The Old Course at St. Andrews is the oldest and most iconic golf course in the world. Located in St. Andrews, Scotland, it’s a must-play for any serious golfer.
Pinehurst Resort
Pinehurst Resort is a historic golf resort located in North Carolina. It’s home to nine different courses, each with its own style and difficulty level. The resort also offers a variety of other amenities, such as spa treatments and fine dining, making it a great destination for a luxurious golf vacation.
Pete Dye Golf Club
The Pete Dye Golf Club is sanctuary golf club located in West Virginia and is known for its challenging courses. The club has a limited number of members, ensuring that golfers can enjoy an intimate golf experience.
Golf Resorts
A golf resort is a destination that offers a range of golf-related services and activities in addition to places to play the golf course. Some of the best golf resorts are:
Sea Island Resort
Sea Island Resort is a luxurious golf resort located in Georgia. It’s home to three championship courses, each designed by a different golf legend. The resort also offers a variety of other amenities, such as a spa and fine dining, making it a great destination for a relaxing golf vacation.
Coeur d’Alene Resort
Coeur d’Alene Resort is a golf resort located in Idaho that’s known for its beautiful scenery and world-class golf course. The resort also offers a variety of other activities, such as boating and hiking, making it a great destination for non-golfers as well.
The American Club
The American Club is a historic golf resort located in Wisconsin that’s home to two courses and four championship courses. The resort also offers a variety of other amenities, such as spa treatments and fine dining, making it a great destination for a luxurious golf vacation.
Omni La Costa Resort
Omni La Costa Resort is a golf resort located in California that’s known for its championship golf course and luxurious spa. The resort also offers a variety of other activities, such as tennis and swimming, making it a great destination for a relaxing golf vacation.
Big Cedar Lodge
Big Cedar Lodge is a luxurious golf resort located in Missouri that’s known for its beautiful scenery and world-class golf courses. The resort also offers a variety of other amenities, such as spa treatments and fine dining, making it a great destination for a luxurious golf vacation.
Sun City
Sun City is a luxurious golf resort located in South Africa. It’s home to two championship courses, each designed by Gary Player. The resort also offers a variety of other activities, such as a casino and a water park, making it a great destination for non-golfers as well.
Mission Hills
Mission Hills is a golf resort located in Shenzhen, China. It’s home to 12 different courses, making it the largest golf resort in the world. The courses were designed by some of the biggest names in golf, such as Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman. The resort also offers a variety of other amenities, such as hot springs and a shopping center.
Golf Trips
Planning a golf trip can be both exciting and overwhelming. Here are some of the best golf trips to consider for your next golf vacation:
Pebble Beach Golf Resort
Pebble Beach Golf Resort is a golf resort located on the coast of California that’s known for its stunning ocean views and championship courses. The resort offers a variety of packages that include unlimited golf and access to their practice facilities.
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort is a golf resort located on the coast of Oregon that’s known for its challenging courses and stunning scenery. The resort offers a variety of packages that include accommodations, meals, and unlimited golf.
Pinehurst Resort
Pinehurst Resort is a historic golf resort located in North Carolina that’s home to nine different courses. The resort offers a variety of packages that include accommodations, meals, and access to their practice facilities.
Sea Island Resort
Sea Island Resort is a luxurious golf resort located in Georgia that’s known for its championship courses and beautiful setting. The resort offers a variety of packages that include accommodations, meals, and access to their practice facilities.
Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Kiawah Island Golf Resort is a golf resort located off the coast of South Carolina that’s known for its five championship courses and beautiful beaches. The resort offers a variety of packages that include accommodations, meals, and access to their practice facilities.
Big Cedar Lodge
Big Cedar Lodge is a luxurious golf resort located in Missouri that’s known for its stunning scenery and world-class golf courses. The resort offers a variety of packages that include accommodations, meals, and access to their practice facilities.
Golf Digest and Golf Magazine
Golf Digest and Golf Magazine are two of the most popular golf publications in the world. They offer a wealth of information about golf courses, golf resorts, and the latest equipment and trends in the sport.
Golf Digest publishes an annual list of the best golf courses in the world, as well as rankings of the top golf resorts and golf destinations. Golf Magazine also offers rankings of the top golf courses and golf resorts, as well as reviews of new golf equipment and accessories.
Private Clubs:
Private golf clubs are exclusive golf courses that are only open to members and their guests. These clubs often offer a variety of amenities, such as fine dining, spa services, and social events. Membership to a private club can be expensive, but it often provides a more personalized golf experience.
One of the most exclusive private clubs in the world is Augusta National Golf Club, home of the Masters Tournament. Membership to Augusta National is by invitation only and is considered one of the most coveted invitations in the golf world.
Stadium Course:
A stadium course is a golf course that’s designed to host major events, such as the PGA Tour or major championships. These courses are often large, with plenty of space for spectators and infrastructure for broadcasting.
One of the most famous stadium courses in the world is the TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course, home of the Players Championship. The short course also features the iconic 17th hole, known as the “Island Green,” which has become one of the most recognizable holes in golf.
Public Courses (So many courses):
Public golf courses are open to anyone who wants to play and often offer affordable green fees. These courses can range in difficulty and amenities, but they provide a great opportunity for golfers of all skill levels to enjoy the game.
One of the most famous public courses in the world is Pebble Beach Golf Links, located on the Monterey Peninsula in California. Despite its high green fees, the course is a bucket-list destination for many golfers due to its stunning ocean views and championship layout.
Multi-Course Resorts:
Multi-course resorts are golf destinations that offer multiple golf courses in one location. These resorts often provide a range of amenities, such as accommodations, fine dining, and spa services on resort course.
One of the most famous multi-course resorts in the world is Mission Hills in China. The resort is home to 12 different courses, making it the largest golf resort in the world. The courses were designed by some of the biggest names in golf, such as Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman.
Seaside Course:
A seaside course is a golf course located near the ocean or other bodies of water. These courses often provide stunning views and a unique golf experience.
One of the most famous seaside courses in the world is the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort in South Carolina. The course has hosted major championships, including the 2012 PGA Championship, and offers stunning ocean views on every hole.
World Golf Hall:
The World Golf Hall of Fame is a museum and shrine to the game of golf located in St. Augustine, Florida. The hall of fame honors the greatest players and contributors to the game of golf, with over 160 members.
Visitors to the World Golf Hall of Fame can learn about the history of golf and view exhibits dedicated to the sport’s greatest players, such as Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Annika Sorenstam. The museum also features an outdoor putting course and a golf simulator for visitors to enjoy.
American Golf:
American Golf is one of the largest golf course management companies in the world, with over 70 courses under management. The company offers a variety of services to golf courses, including marketing, operations, and maintenance.
American Golf courses are located throughout the United States and provide a range of golf experiences, from public courses to private clubs. The company is known for its commitment to providing a high-quality golf experience for golfers of all skill levels.
Greatest Golf Holes
Golfers around the world know that every course has its own unique challenges and unforgettable holes. From the iconic 17th at TPC Sawgrass to the daunting par-3 16th at Augusta National, these holes have become legendary in the world of golf. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the greatest golf holes in the world and rank them based on their level of difficulty, beauty, and overall impact on the game.
17th Hole at TPC Sawgrass:
This iconic hole is one of the most recognizable in the world of golf. The 137-yard par-3 features an island green surrounded by water, making it one of the most intimidating shots in golf.
16th Hole at Augusta National:
This par-3 hole is known as “Redbud” and features a dramatic elevation change and a sloping green. It’s one of the most challenging holes at Augusta National and has played a pivotal role in many Masters Tournaments.
18th Hole at St. Andrews:
The 18th at the Old Course at St. Andrews is one of the most historic and iconic finishing holes in golf. The par-4 hole features the famous Swilcan Bridge and requires a precise tee shot to avoid the bunkers on either side of the fairway.
18th Hole at Pebble Beach:
The 18th at Pebble Beach is one of the most beautiful finishing holes in golf. The par-5 hole runs along the Pacific Ocean and requires golfers to navigate a narrow fairway and well-guarded green.
5th Hole at Pinehurst No. 2:
This par-4 hole at Pinehurst No. 2 is known as “The Pit” and features a deep bunker in the center of the fairway. It’s a challenging hole that requires precision off the tee and a well-placed approach shot.
13th Hole at Augusta National:
This par-5 hole is known as “Azalea” and features a dogleg left with water on the left and trees on the right. It’s one of the most picturesque holes at Augusta National and has played a pivotal role in many Masters Tournaments.
7th Hole at Pebble Beach:
This par-3 hole at Pebble Beach is known as “The Drop” and features a tee shot that requires a 100-foot drop to the green below. It’s a dramatic hole that requires both accuracy and nerve.
18th Hole at Royal County Down:
This par-4 hole at Royal County Down is known as “The Snake” and features a narrow fairway that winds through the dunes. It’s a challenging hole that requires a precise tee shot and approach.
14th Hole at Coeur d’Alene Resort:
This par-3 hole at Coeur d’Alene Resort is known as “The Floating Green” and features a green that’s actually an island that can be moved by the staff at tee time. It’s a challenging hole that requires both accuracy and a bit of luck.
10th Hole at Riviera Country Club:
This par-4 hole at Riviera Country Club is known as “The Driveable” and features a green that’s reachable from the tee for longer hitters. It’s a strategic hole that requires golfers to weigh the risk and reward of going for the green.
These 10 holes represent some of the greatest challenges and most memorable moments in the world of golf. Each one of three courses has its own unique character and demands a different set of skills from golfers. Whether you’re a professional golfer or a weekend warrior, these holes offer a glimpse into the magic and beauty of the game.
FAQs
What should I pack for a golf vacation?
When packing for a golf vacation, make sure to bring comfortable golf clothes, golf shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of golf balls.
Can non-golfers enjoy a golf vacation?
Absolutely! Many golf resorts offer a variety of other activities, such as spa treatments, fine dining, and outdoor adventures, making it a great vacation destination for non-golfers as well.
What’s the best time of year to plan a golf vacation?
It depends on the destination. Some golf courses are open year-round, while others may have specific seasons. Make sure to research the climate and weather patterns of your chosen golf destination before booking your trip.
What’s the best way to save money on a golf vacation?
Booking a package deal through a travel agency or booking directly through the golf resort can often save you money. Also consider traveling during the off-season or during weekdays, as rates are often lower.
Are private golf clubs open to the public?
Many private golf clubs offer limited access to non-members, such as through guest passes or golf packages.
Can I play on a PGA Tour event course?
Many PGA Tour event courses are open to the public, but they may have limited availability or higher green fees.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a serious golfer or just enjoy the occasional round, there’s no shortage of amazing golf destinations to choose from. From the stunning coastal courses of Pebble Beach and Kiawah Island Golf Resort to the mountain views of Bandon Dunes Golf Resort and Pinehurst Resort, these golf destinations offer something for everyone. So start planning your next golf vacation today and get ready for an unforgettable golf experience!
