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The 11 best golf trips that offer the most bang for your buck

Much like weddings or school reunions, buddies trips offer golfers a chance to reconnect with friends away from the stress of day-to-day routines. Play some golf. Have a few drinks. Needle your opponent when the match gets tight. These getaways take on different shapes and sizes, but whether you take them with buddies from college, your weekend foursome or family members, the camaraderie always makes for memorable stories told long after the return home.

Of course, much like weddings, golf trips can be expensive. The most popular golf-trip destinations, though they might include some fantastic courses, can set you back thousands of dollars. If you’re looking to plan your next golf getaway but don’t want to break the bank, we’ve got you covered.

This collection includes our 11 favorite budget golf-trip destinations. We've identified some of the top quality, cheaper golf options that are worth seeking out in each region. Many of these courses have stay-and-play packages available to maximize value even further. 

Click around to learn more about each course and read reviews from our course-ranking panelists. And if you’re looking for more inspiration, check out our new, searchable course database,  Places to Play,  to plan your next trip.

Northern Michigan

Michigan is one of the most underrated public golf destinations in North America—with a ton of great courses in close proximity—it's perfect for planning a trip around. For your next buddies’ trip, consider heading up north for startling elevation changes, stunning scenery and tremendous value.

Though Forest Dunes and Arcadia Bluffs would be at the top of our lists if money was no obstacle, the below options are perfect for the group on a budget.

Bay Harbor Golf Club: Links/Quarry

Bay harbor, mi.

• Best In State

Greywalls at Marquette Golf Club

Marquette, mi.

• 100 Greatest Public

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa: The Bear

Williamsburg, mi.

The other courses at Grand Traverse are also worth playing:

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa: The Wolverine

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa: Spruce Run

Treetops Resort: Masterpiece

Gaylord, mi.

Treetops Resort: Premier

Treetops Resort: Signature

Treetops Resort: Tradition

Shanty Creek Resort: Cedar River

Bellaire, mi.

Shanty Creek Resort: The Legend

Shanty Creek Resort: Hawk's Eye

Shanty Creek Resort: Schuss Mountain

Mancelona, mi.

Shanty Creek Resort: Summit

More from places to play.

Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail—complete with nearly 500 holes at 11 facilities spread across the state—provides some of the best value in the country. We’ve selected the best courses on the Trail between Birmingham and Montgomery for you to plan your next trip around.

Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail At Capitol Hill: The Judge

Prattville, al.

Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail At Capitol Hill: Legislator

Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail At Capitol Hill: Senator

Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail At Cambrian Ridge: Canyon/Loblolly/Sherling

Greenville, al.

Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Ross Bridge

Birmingham, al.

Towering pines and two large lakes frame many holes on this expansive layout just south of Birmingham. Significant elevation changes dictate a layout that plays up and down the banks that surround the two lakes, which are connected by a stunning waterfall that separates the ninth and 18th greens. With wide landing areas and large greens, there is ample room for wayward shots. The course tips out over 8,000 yards, but there are five sets of tees to accommodate all players.  Note: The course is temporarily closed due to green damage caused by misapplied herbicide.

Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail At Oxmoor Valley: Ridge

Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail At Oxmoor Valley: Valley

Myrtle beach.

Myrtle Beach has long been a staple on any list of best golf trips. For good reason: The Grand Strand boasts nearly a hundred courses, many of which offer stay-and-play packages that combine value with quality golf. On your next trip to the Palmetto State, consider these multi-course resorts.

Barefoot Resort & Golf: Dye Course

North myrtle beach, sc.

Barefoot Resort & Golf: Fazio Course

Barefoot Resort & Golf: Love Course

Barefoot Resort & Golf: Norman Course

The Legends Golf Resort: Heathland

Myrtle beach, sc.

The Legends Golf Resort: Moorland

From Golf Digest Architecture Editor emeritus Ron Whitten: At the same time in 1989 when Tom Doak was constructing the Heathland Course at Legends Golf Resort in Myrtle Beach, Pete Dye's younger son, P.B. Dye, was on site concocting another 18, the Moorland Course. (I'm pretty sure Doak routed Moorland at the same time he prepared his plans for Heathland, because early press releases stated Doak was do three 18s at the resort. He ended up building just one of the three.) Moorland, like Heathland, opened in 1990, and I played both soon thereafter. For our architecture editor's complete review, click here . 

The Legends Golf Resort: Parkland

Tidewater Golf Club

Colonial Williamsburg

Oftentimes, a buddies’ trip is all about the golf. A 27- or 36-hole day is commonplace for many groups looking to maximize time on the course. Colonial Williamsburg is great for that -- as many resorts offer multiple courses that are all worth playing. But on at least one of the days, make sure you head to the historic center of town, where life looks similar to as it did in the 18 th  century.  

Golden Horseshoe Golf Club: Gold Course

Williamsburg, va.

Golden Horseshoe Golf Club: Green

Kingsmill Resort: The River Course

Kingsmill Resort: The Plantation Course

Royal New Kent Golf Club

Providence forge, va.

Like Myrtle Beach, Orlando is a fixture on many golf destination lists, with a number of quality public options to plan your next trip around. There are truly an endless amount of solid Orlando golf options, but we've highlighted our favorite ones below.

Mission Inn Resort & Club: El Campeon

Howey in the hills, fl.

Mission Inn Resort & Club: Las Colinas

Orange County National Golf Center & Lodge: Crooked Cat

Winter garden, fl.

Orange County National Golf Center & Lodge: Panther Lake

Orange County National Golf Center & Lodge: Tooth

Reunion Resort & Golf Club: Jack Nicklaus Course

Reunion, fl.

Reunion Resort & Golf Club: Arnold Palmer Course

Reunion Resort & Golf Club: Tom Watson Course

For another getaway to the Sunshine State, consider heading down to the Tampa area, where you’ll find some great public options. Tampa offers the perfect combination of quality nightlife with very good golf. Though Innisbrook Resort or nearby Streamsong might top many traditional lists, we’ve identified some hidden gems for this buddies-trip-on-a-budget list that for solid value.

Also keep in mind that World Woods -- which will be Cabot Citrus Farms when it re-opens (projected to be the end of 2023) -- will become our new favorite option in the area.

RELATED:  A new chapter for World Woods: The acclaimed Florida 36-hole complex will soon become Cabot Citrus Farms

Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club: South Course

Dade city, fl.

Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club: North Course

Fox Hollow Golf Club

Trinity, fl.

The Club at Cheval

It’s only appropriate that these affordable courses in the Land of 10,000 Lakes all play around … lakes. This collection of scenic tracks includes a 100 Greatest Public course and a couple of shorter options sure to inject excitement into your next buddies’ trip match. 

Madden's on Gull Lake: The Classic at Madden's

Brainerd, mn.

Madden's on Gull Lake: Pine Beach East

Legacy Courses At Craguns: Dutch Legacy

The Pines At Grand View Lodge: Lakes/Woods/Marsh

Deacon's Lodge Golf Course

Pequot lakes, mn.

Closer to the Wisconsin side of the state, a very worthwhile trip would be combining two 100 Greatest Public facilities: Giants Ridge and The Wilderness at Fortune Bay.

The Quarry at Giants Ridge

Biwabik, mn.

The Wilderness At Fortune Bay

West point, mississippi.

One of the more underrated destinations in this collection, West Point, Miss. boasts a couple of exceptional layouts—both ranked on our 100 Greatest Public list—that won’t break the bank.

Mossy Oak Golf Club

West point, ms.

From Golf Digest Architecture Editor emeritus Ron Whitten: Back in mid-1980s, George Bryan, who ran Bryan Foods, now part of Sara Lee Corp., created Old Waverly Golf Club in tiny West Point, Miss., a Bob Cupp/Jerry Pate design and former U.S. Women’s Open host that to me is a bit underrated. In the early 2000s, Bryan bought an old dairy farm (Knob Hill Dairy) across the highway and hired Gil Hanse to give him an Old School public golf course. George named it Mossy Oak, after a West Point company of the same name that supplies outdoor camouflage gear. (The company has a 10-percent interest in the course.) He was going to call it Howlin' Wolf after a legendary blues singer born in West Point, but his heirs wanted too much money. Hanse got the job before he was awarded the Rio Olympics design in 2012, and it was the first project he tackled after completing his work in Brazil. For the full review from our architecture editor, click here .

Old Waverly Golf Club

From Golf Digest Architecture Editor emeritus Ron Whitten: I've always admired Jerry Pate's work in golf architecture. He was one of the few PGA Tour pros who really got down and dirty in golf design, and I especially liked the few courses he did with architect Bob Cupp. Their second collaboration was Old Waverly in tiny West Point, Miss., a dream project of West Point native George Bryan. Cupp was just two years removed from his employment as Jack Nicklaus’ chief designer, and Pate was still active on the PGA Tour when they started the project in August 1986. Both spent a lot of time on the site. I remember Pate was as proud of the massive drainage system he successfully persuaded Old Waverly to adopt as he was of the many strategies he helped impart in its holes. The course opened in August 1988 to immediate acclaim, finishing No. 3 among Golf Digest's Best New Private Courses in 1989. For the complete review from our architecture editor, click here .

San Antonio

In terms of affordable public golf, the San Antonio area is tough to beat. Of all the destinations in this collection, these Texas Hill Country courses may provide the most bang for your buck. Of course, Austin is also very doable when headed to the Hill Country, but there's a little more value on and off the course in San Antonio.

The Quarry Golf Course

San antonio, tx.

La Cantera Golf Club

Canyon Springs Golf Club

Brackenridge Park Golf Course

SilverHorn Golf Club of Texas

The Bandit Golf Club

New braunfels, tx.

Cedar Creek Golf Course

Chattanooga

If your typical buddies’ trip usually takes on a laidback vibe, consider centering your next one around Sweetens Cove, just outside Chattanooga. And there are some other quality options in the area to round out your trip for when you’re not whacking it around the Peyton Manning-backed nine-holer with few rules.

Sweetens Cove Golf Club

South pittsburg, tn.

Bear Trace at Harrison Bay

Harrison, tn.

Brainerd Golf Course

Chattanooga, tn, mesquite, nev./st. george, utah.

One of the most scenic destinations in this collection, southern Nevada and Utah provide some of the most dramatic rock formations you’ll find on a course. Several of these affordable tracks just northeast of Las Vegas highlight desert golf in its gentler form, with wider landing areas than are typical of many southwestern layouts. 

Sand Hollow Resort: Championship Course

Hurricane, ut.

The Ledges of St. George

Saint george, ut.

Copper Rock

Wolf Creek Golf Club

Mesquite, nv.

Oasis Golf Club: Palmer

Oasis Golf Club: Canyons

Coral Canyon Golf Course

Washington, ut.

SunRiver Golf Club

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The Golfer’s Bucket List: The Best Golf Trips you need to Book Now

Are you looking for the best golf trips but have no clue where to start searching? One of the many amazing things about the great game of golf is that you can play it worldwide and meet new people around the globe. There are hundreds of thousands of courses around the world for you and your golfing buddies to tee it up.

But figuring out where to start planning your next golf trip is pretty overwhelming. Depending on your location, you might only be a short drive to an incredible golf destination. Or, you might be hours away and need to catch a flight to make it happen. 

Either way, traveling to play new golf courses is almost always worth it. I suggest making a list with some of your frequented buddies and start planning 1-2 a year. Once you read this post, you’ll know exactly which trip you should tackle next.

Planning Golf Trips

Before we dive into booking these amazing golf trips, let’s talk about planning them. This way you can easily compare golf destinations and figure out which is next up for your vacation. 

Destination 

The first thing to start thinking about when planning your golf is planning where you want to go. Do you want to travel somewhere close? Or, take a flight over the pond to the home of golf for an unforgettable golf experience? Planning the two are very different tasks as you need to figure out flights, hotels, golf reservations, and a lot more. 

The first step is brainstorming with your buddies about where you want to play in the world. Is it a stop on the PGA Tour? Do you want to play a true bucket list course like Pebble Beach or St. Andrews? Or, is it just a fun trip that is solely focused on golf? 

Once you’ve narrowed your choices down, the next thing to consider is budget.

As you know, golf is not a cheap sport. From golf clubs, gadgets, and tee times, it all adds up fast. Traveling to play epic courses only adds to it (but it’s more than worth it of course).

Once you have a few selections for your next destination, do some research on the budget that is required for each golfer to go. Think about things like:

• Tee times : Do they have more than course with different green fees? Package deals? Stay-n-play?
• Transportation : Will you need to book flights ( read here on tips to flying with golf clubs )? Will you need to rent a car? Take a train? The farther you are from your destination, the more costly it is for round trip transportation.
• Lodging : How much will it cost to stay per night? Does the course require you to stay on premise to book tee times in advance? How many people per room? Are there houses nearby to rent? 
• Other costs : These might include dining (is any included), other activities like sporting events, non-golf excursions (fishing, sailing, etc.). 

This step is crucial in planning an awesome golf getaway. Ideally, you’ll want to price out the trip per person or per couple so you can start pitching people on the idea and give them a ballpark price range. 

Length of Trip 

Another important factor is the length of time your golf trip will take. While longer is more fun and has more time to hit bombs and make birdies, it has downsides as well. 

First off, longer trips mean a higher budget which might not work for everyone in your group. Second, the longer the trip means more time off of work as well. While 2-3 days might be enough for some trips that are close in proximity, others (like Ireland) might mean 10-11 days to get the full experience. 

Number of People 

Finally, don’t forget to factor in the number of golfers joining you as well. While more golfers is more fun and makes for better gambling games, it is also more complicated to plan as well.

But, sometimes certain resorts and golf courses will have packages for bigger groups (like birthday parties, bachelor parties, etc.). Now that you have a better understanding of what to think about for your next trip, let’s dive into the nearly endless possibilities. 

Best Golf Destinations in US 

While the home of golf might have originated from over the pond, there are some amazing golf vacations here in the United States as well. Here are some of our top picks:

Monterey, CA 

Monterey is such an awesome place for golfers as it has some of the most iconic courses with epic views that are rich with history. Think of Tom Watson chipping in on the 71st hole of the 1982 U.S. Open. Or, Tiger Woods pouncing on the field in the 2000 U.S. Open and beating them by 15 shots in arguably the best performance of his career! 

You can relive all of those memories and create your own at some of these amazing venues. 

Places to Play in Pebble Beach

Pebble beach.

When you think of bucket list trips in golf, it’s impossible to not add Pebble Beach to the list. The course isn’t cheap to play (one of the highest green fees on Earth) but it’s a piece of golfing history. Each hole has a ton of character, stunning views, and perfect playing conditions to make for an amazing round of golf. 

Spyglass Hills

While Spyglass isn’t as world renowned, a lot of people actually consider it better than Pebble Beach! I know it’s hard to believe but it’s a truly iconic course that has a few ocean holes before turning back inward with tree-laced fairways. I like to think of Spyglass as the West Coast Augusta National- slick greens, tight fairways, and amazing course conditions.  

Spanish Bay

The third place to paly at the resort is Spanish Bay which isn’t as famous as the previous two but still a great track. Several holes ride the Pacific Ocean and are the easiest of the three tracks. Plus, it’s a few hundred bucks cheaper than Spyglass or Pebble which makes it more cost effective for the everyday golfer. 

Poppy Hills

Another popular option in the Carmel area is Poppy Hills. This club is a stop for the PGA Tour Champions and is a Golf Digest Top 100 Public Golf Course. Rates are around $200 per player and still provide a great golfing experience in Pebble Beach. 

Golf History . As soon as you arrive at the resort, you can feel the golf history instantly.

When you walk through the clubhouse, pro shop, and the grounds, you can’t forget about all the iconic tournaments that have taken place at Pebble. Plus, they have all kinds of golf memorabilia, trophies, and more to remind of the truly historic events that have happened over the years.

Iconic Views . Perhaps the best part of the Monterey area are the incredible views. The first few holes of Spyglass are near the Pacific Ocean and a large stretch of Holes on Pebble are right on the ocean as well. 

Hole #7 at Pebble Beach is the short par-3 that is only 100 yards away but can play double the distance with wind. Hole #8 requires your approach to carry the ocean, and the next two holes have the ocean on your right. Make sure to hire a caddy so someone can document the trip and get some pictures with the Pacific Ocean as a truly iconic backdrop. 

Price . Don’t get me wrong, I expect bucket list trips to cost more than a normal round of golf but Pebble doesn’t make it easy for the average golfer to make it happen. Rounds are between $300 at Spanish Bay, $400 at Spyglass, and $500+ at Pebble Beach. 

Not to mention, you have to stay at the resort to make a tee time in advance. Did I mention the starting room at the resort (2-night minimum) is about $600 for a pretty standard hotel room? 

Plus, caddy fees (optional but encouraged), flights, and possibly renting a car to get to the resort. The experience costs a pretty penny but if you’re going to go, splurge and play Spyglass and Pebble to make it worth it. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed. 

Weather . While the weather is more consistent than some destinations, you could still face some weird weather as it’s located right on the ocean. Plan accordingly and expect some rain in the winter months . 

Bandon, OR 

One of the premiere golf destination on the West Coast is Bandon Dunes. Bandon has a total of five full size 18 holes, a par 3 (Bandon Preserve) and a 100,000 square feet putting green known as the Punchbowl. 

While it’s not easy to play all five in a single golf trip, it’s worth returning to for a second visit to play the rest and repeat your favorites. The best way to book this trip is through Bandon Dunes website directly so you can incorporate transportation, lodging, and golf with a single package. Plus, they are used to handling large groups of people which makes it easier for the person in charge of booking everything. 

Another place to play in Oregon is the Bend/Sunriver area. They have incredible options from great designers like Tom Fazio and other top designers.

Places to Play

The six options for your next golfing vacation at Bandon Dunes are:

Bandon Dunes

The original, Bandon Dunes, was founded in 1999 and received the highest of praise ever since from everyone in the golfing community. It’s consistently made top 50 golf courses (and public courses) in the world by Golf Digest and is a truly iconic links layout that isn’t very common in the US. 

Pacific Dunes

Pacific Dunes opened two years after the original design and is a very different feel than Bandon. Pacific Dunes blends beautifully with the terrain to produce firm fairways, lots of wind, and 60-foot sand dunes. Get your game ready for this course as it’s a true test of your skills! 

Bandon Trails

The third course at the resort is Bandon Trails which has more a meadow feel than a traditional dunes layout. It is built into the coastal forest and ends with a stretch of holes in a normal, links style.

Old Macdonald

The fourth option on the property is Old Macdonald. These 18 holes have massive greens and deep bunkers in a very traditional, old-school design. 

Sheep Ranch

This final full-size track at Bandon is Sheep Ranch. It just opened in June 2020 and is only a mile from the ocean with several shots directly over the water.

It was originally intended to be a private course but after sitting for nearly a decade, it is the latest design to open at Bandon. No carts allowed on this course so get ready to walk! 

Bandon Preserve

If you need a break from full-length tracks, have some fun at the Bandon Preserve. This is a stellar par-3 course that will challenge you more than most executive style courses and is in perfect condition. 

Huge selection of golf. With five full 18 holes, a par-3, and a fun putting course, you will not get bored at this spectacular resort. Not to mention, the courses are in fantastic shape year round. Since they have so many courses, even if an 18 is closed for seasonal maintenance, you can always play the other four as well. 

Caddies. There are no shortages of caddies available at Bandon and highly suggest taking advantage of them to make the round more enjoyable. With so much terrain, wind, and weather, caddies will make the experience a lot more fun. Plus, you’ll likely play better with their local knowledge as well. 

Lodging. If you’re going with a big group of guys, Bandon has exceptional lodging options right on the resort. They have five accommodations for all your lodging needs including spacious four-bedroom cottages at the Grove.

Weather : While Bandon might have some of the best courses in the United States it also has some of the most inconsistent weather ever. Locals say the best time of year to visit is in September but it’s also peak season rates. Allegedly, February is the other secret time to visit and get to play at off-season rates. Plan accordingly!

Location : Aside from a lot of wind and rain, getting to Bandon isn’t easy. The closest major airport is Portland which is still a 90-minute drive from the resort. Unless you fly in on a small private jet to the Bandon airport, expect a little bit of a drive after you take a flight to Portland.

The third destination on our list of amazing golfing vacations is moving coasts to sunny South Florida. If you want to tee it up where the PGA Tour pros live, South Florida might be the destination for you and your buddies. There are tons of great golf clubs and amazing weather to make it a great place to cure your winter blues. 

Best Public Golf Courses in Florida

For the sake of this article, we’ll keep it public options that anyone can book a tee time on (even if it’s cheap). Otherwise, we’d include places like Seminole (Tiger’s home club) and others.

TPC Sawgrass

Perhaps one of the most iconic holes in the world is the island green 17th at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, located in northeast Florida. Wedged between the difficult par-5 16th and long par-4 18th, it’s one of the best closing stretches ever. Pete Dye outdid himself here!

Not to mention, the other 15 holes are incredible as well and host the PGA Tour’s 5th Major (The Players Championship) each year. Overall, it’s an amazing golfing experience with other world-class facilities close by. Let’s get real, who doesn’t want a crack at the island green? 

You can also play the other option, Dye’s Valley, which hosts a Korn Ferry event and is also highly recommended. Plus, it’s only a fraction of the price. Book these directly through the TPC site for vacation packages and the “ Tour Player Experience ” as well. 

Streamsong  

Another great place to tee it up in Florida is the luxury Streamsong Resort near Tampa. This golf resort offers three stellar courses (the red, white, and blue) so you can play a ton of golf without much travel. In fact, they make it easy to stay at the resort and play with amazing accommodations and packages.

Some of their offerings include a Stay and Play 18 package, the Tour package, and more. Plus, there’s tons of non golf activities that are fun too including a spa, bass fishing, archery and more. Book this directly through Streamsong so you don’t have to find a hotel, rent a car or Uber, and can have everything you need in a single place.

Trump Doral

Another gem of Florida is the Trump Doral Golf Club in Miami Florida. While most golfers know “The Blue Monster” there are three other courses there that you can play for even cheaper! 

Plus, you can stay at the stunning resort and not have to rent a car or Uber to each course. They also have fine dining, a spa and other amenities to make it an awesome experience for a moderate price. I suggest booking this directly through the website to take advantage of any offers they’re running. 

Pros of Florida Golf 

Huge amount of options. There are more than 1,200 courses in the state of Florida! Are you kidding me? This is more than other state and makes it impossible to ever get bored playing the same place. Find an area you want to go to (Tampa, Miami, etc.) and start booking ones around you! 

Weather . They don’t call it the Sunshine state for nothing! Florida has amazing beaches and consistently good weather compared to the rest of the country. But be warned, the humidity and tropical temperatures will make summer golf more challenging.

Cons of Florida Golf

I really can’t think of many since there is such a massive amount of courses it’s pretty much paradise for every golfer! 

Prices . Prices aren’t all bad but it’s worth noting there are some expensive green fees in Florida. However, with over 1,000 options, there is a budget for everyone. But more famous courses like Doral and others will set you back more than others on this list.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Moving north from Florida is another iconic destination in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. If you’re on the east coast and looking for an ultimate golfing experience, look no further than Myrtle Beach. 

With over 100 options in the area, you will have more options than you have time. Not to mention, it’s close to the beach, has plenty of nightlife, and amazing resorts to stay at. Since there are so many places to play, I suggest booking through Myrtle Beach Golf as they have a lot more details on each venue, packages, and provide instant quotes for your trip.

With over 100 different venues, it’s hard to narrow down just a few but here are some of the top rated by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine. 

Dunes Golf and Beach Club

The Dunes Golf and Beach Club was ranked #54 in America’s Top 100 Greatest public courses in 2019. Originally launched by Robert Trent Jones in 1992, it’s had several multi-million dollar renovations to give you an unbelievable experience. If you play this one, enjoy the hole named “Waterloo” where Lake Shingleton comes into play and received numerous awards as one of the greatest golf holes ever.  

Caledonia Golf and Fish Club 

Another top pick and highly acclaimed option is the Caledonia Golf and Fish Club. It’s been featured in top publications and magazines for it’s classic design, rich history, and amazing conditions.

Go here to read our full article on Golf Course Design.

True Blue Golf Club 

The final “must play” course in the Myrtle Beach area is the True Blue Golf Club. It was ranked in Golf Magazine as a top resort for you and your golfing buddies in 2019. It’s huge fairways and undulating greens paired with elevation make for a spectacular day of golf! 

Tons of places to play. With more than 100 tracks in the Myrtle Beach area, you will have no shortage of golf options in a very short distance. 

Price . Compared to some of the other destinations, the full Myrtle Beach experience is a smaller price tag. 

Inconsistent weather. While you can get some good weather in December even, it’s pretty spotty at times. Plus, with a ton of humid conditions, it’s not an ideal fit for a lot of golfers.

Pinehurst, North Carolina

While Myrtle Beach has 100 courses, North Carolina has some great venues as well. But the crown jewel of them all is Pinehurst Resort. 

If you’re like most golfers, when you think of Pinehurst golf resort you probably think of the late Payne Stewart and his heroic showing in the 1999 US Open. His legendary performance topped Phil Mickelson in one of his many crushing major defeats.  

When booking, I suggest going through the official Pinehurst website as they have different accommodations including the Donald Ross golf package, Bed & Breakfast, and custom packages. 

Places to Play at Pinehurst 

There are nine full-length (yes, nine) courses at Pinehurst (named Pinehurst #1, #2, etc.). They also have “The Cradle Short Course” which is a nine hole par-3 as well. All of them have gotten rave reviews from golfers and media but make sure that you play: 

Pinehurst #1

This is the original design from 1898 that will test your game despite being more than a century old. 

Pinehurst #2

Pinehurst #2 allows you to play where tons of majors have been hosted and see championship golf first hand. According to the website , “Pinehurst #2 has served as the site of more single golf championships than any course in America and hosted back-to-back U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open Championships for the first time in 2014. The U.S. Open will return in 2024.”

Amazing venues. All nine options live up to the high standard of Pinehurst #1 from the late 1800s. They’ve created such a great experience for golfers who truly love the history of the game.

All-in-one. With nine options available and amazing lodging, you can book it all together for an unbelievable golfing package .

Price. While it’s less than Pebble Beach, rates are still between $300-$400 per player per round (on #1-5). Booking as a package does save some money but overall, this trip won’t be a cheap one.

Mesquite, Nevada 

Moving back West, let’s not forget about the scenic views in Mesquite, Nevada. Less than an hour from Las Vegas, you have tons of amazing places to paly at very affordable prices. Plus, you’re not far from Sin City so you can hit the tables and have more fun on the strip as well. When booking, look for package details on Mesquite Golf Courses . 

Places to Play in Nevada

The top palce to play in Mesquite, Nevada is Wolf Creek. The course has received a ton of accolades and is considered the ultimate golf experience. It’s incredibly scenic and provides some of the best views you’ll ever have with elevated tee shots and beautiful scenery.

Coyote Springs

Another great options in the desert of Nevada is Coyote Springs which was ranked a top course in the state and is a Jack Nickalus design. 

Conestoga 

Conestoga is another place I’d highly recommend as it has tons of scenic views, fast greens, and gorgeous scenery. 

Price. For a bucket list experience, it’s a fraction of the price of playing Pebble or Pinehurst. Plus, the other venues aside from Wolf Creek are even less expensive and usually can find tons of great deals.

Location . Getting to Las Vegas is easy and having regular shuttles from Vegas to Mesquite make it wildly convenient.  

Weather. Being that it is a desert, you will have some extreme low temperatures in the winter and temperatures of 100 degrees or more in the summer. 

Southern California

It’s hard to beat Southern California. Beaches, amazing courses, tons of activities, and perfect weather year round. Southern California is home to some of the best players ever and where Tiger Woods and Phil Mickeslon got their start in the game. 

Not to mention, Tiger had his iconic win at the 2008 US Open where he beat Rocco Mediate in an 18-hole Monday playoff. Somehow, Tiger played through a torn ACL to win the major before his drought that finally ended at the 2019 Masters. 

If you do want to play Torrey with a tee time in advance, you’ll want to book and stay directly at “The Lodge.” These are amazing accommodations right on the course and will ensure you can book a tee time more than a day in advance.

Places to Play in San Diego

Torrey pines (north and south).

Torrey Pines has two championship courses that play host to a PGA Tour event every year as part of the West Coast swing. Players compete a round on the North and three rounds on the more challenging, South. The North was recently updated and has made it nearly as good as the South 18 holes. 

La Costa Resort and Spa

While not as iconic as Torrey Pines, La Costa is another amazing experience and has hosted PGA & LPGA Tour events. Plus, they have two 18 holes, an amazing spa, and incredible lodge to enhance your stay. 

Cost . Compared to Pebble Beach, this place is a bargain! While it might not be quite as iconic as Pebble, it’s still incredible golf and an amazing destination year round. 

Not as many options. While there are some gems like Torrey Pines and La Costa, overall it’s not like Pinehurst, South Florida, or Scottsdale.  It’s harder to book a golf vacation as you’ll have more driving and commuting to play great tracks.

Scottsdale, AZ

Scottsdale is another great place to play some golf with your buddies and make some awesome memories. First off, the Phoenix area gets more sun than pretty much anywhere in the world.

It’s either hot or hotter pretty much everyday of the year. Luckily, it’s a very dry heat so you don’t have to worry about tons of humidity like South Florida and other golfing destinations. 

Places to Play in Scottsdale/Phoenix

Tpc scottsdale.

Another fan favorite to watch every year is the Waste Management which is held at the TPC Scottsdale Stadium course. Thousands upon thousands of fans cheer, harass, and get rowdy with every single shot that’s played on the iconic par-3 16th hole. 

You can play there and experience the shot as well (minus the 50,000+ screaming fans). Sadly, they do take the grandstands down after the event but if you time it right, you might get to play with them. They also have another 18 hole championship course that won’t dissapoint.

Quintero is tucked away slightly north of Phoenix but worth the drive. It has tons of elevation changes which create some memorable but challenging holes. 

Lots of activities. Not only is Scottsdale home to some great golf tracks, but there are tons of events going on year round. Arguably the best time to visit is in February-March where they have spring training for the half the MLB. Plus, hockey, football, and tons of other entertainment (like TopGolf, casinos, etc).

Weather . Unlike most golfing destinations on this list you don’t have to worry about weather when visiting the Phoenix area. It’s pretty much always sunny year round with a very dry heat. 

Convenient . Phoenix Sky Harbor airport is positioned perfectly and only a short Taxi, Uber or drive to Scottsdale. With direct routes to every major airport, this makes it a huge perk of visiting Scottsdale.

Prices . Sometimes the valley of the sun does get a little pricey in peak season. Since most of the world is freezing cold, Scottsdale charges a pretty penny for lodging and golf November – March.  

Weather . That’s right, weather is a pro and a con for golf in Scottsdale. If you struggle with intense heat, I would recommend skipping May – September as it’s insanely hot. Sometimes the temperatures crack 110 degrees in the summer without ever cooling down below 85 degrees. Paired with the monsoon season in July-August, it’s not always the most ideal golfing conditions. 

Europe Golf Trips

While the US has tons of golf trips around the country, we can’t forget over the pond. The UK is the home of the great sport that we all love. There are hundreds of link style venues that will help you create a bucket list trip that you’ll never forget. 

Scotland & Ireland 

Scotland has over 100 iconic courses so I can’t list them all but here are some of the best ones that we highly recommend. When booking, I suggest finding a company to help you sync it all together. Since you’re traveling internationally, there are a lot more moving pieces (time difference, transportation, lodging, etc.). This way you make sure everything gets booked properly and have the best experience possible.

Trump Turnberry

Trump Turnberry is one of the most iconic places to play in the world. It’s consistently ranked as a top top course in Scotland and will test your game unlike any other. 

St. Andrews

Known as “The Home of Golf” you won’t want to miss this amazing, old school links golf course . The Old Course at St. Andrews has hosted 29 Open Championships and featured some of the most amazing shots in golf history. Not to mention, amazing holes like the Roadhole bunker and an iconic 18th will create memories that will last a lifetime. 

According to golf historians, Murfield is the oldest golf course in the world and founded in 1744! If you’re looking for a golf course that is rich with golf history, this is the one for you. 

Carnoustie 

Carnoustie has four courses and hosted the Open Championship eight times, senior Open Championship, and the Women’s British Open in 2011. This course was founded in 1842 and is the scene of the infamous meltdown by Jean Van De Velde in the 199 Open Championship. 

Ireland Golf

If you want to venture to Ireland instead of Scotland, you’ll have no shortage including:

• Lahinch 
• Ballybunion
• European Club
• Portmarnock Championship
• Trump International Golf Links 

And hundreds more!

Historic. These old school courses have been around for hundreds of years and have a rich history for anyone who appreciates the game.

Links style. This style isn’t for everyone but it’s fun to play the game like they did in the old days. 

Weather. Golf over the pond doesn’t tend to bring sunshine and good weather, quite the opposite. This will tend to yield lots of wind, rain , and cold harsh conditions. 

Costs. Traveling to Europe isn’t cheap but if you do make the journey, go for a long enough time to make the most of it. 

Other Notable Venues

While the destinations above will provide truly amazing golf trips, there are some one off golf courses that I had to add to this list as well.

Whistling Straits

Whistling Straits is one of two luxury golf courses in Wisconsin. It’s hosted several major championships and set to host the 2020 Ryder Cup. There are nearly 1,000 bunkers so you’re in for some entertaining shots during your round. Plus, the other course, Blackwolf Run, is also a highly acclaimed golf course too.

Wynn Golf Course – Las Vegas, NV

The Wynn Golf Course is located right on the strip and provides an experience unlike anything else. It’s always been a gem for high rollers but was closed for nearly two years as the resort was planning on building a new entertainment center. Things changed and the course reopened in 2019 giving guests a chance to tee it up steps from Las Vegas Blvd. 

Fair warning, this course isn’t easy to get a tee time on. You need to stay at the Wynn resort or have a connection to make it happen. Not to mention, the green fees are ridiculously high at around $550 per round (when in Vegas right?). But, you do get a caddy, full service locker rooms, carts stocked with beverages, and an amazing facility. 

Calusa Pines Golf Club

Another top course in Florida is the Calusa Pines Golf Club. This course regularly earns a spot in the top five courses in the state and is only a short 2 hour drive from Miami and Fort Lauderdale. They have some of the fastest fairways and greens in the state so it makes for some fun golf! 

Final Thoughts

As you can tell, there is no shortage of amazing golf trips around the globe. It really depends on what your budget is, how many days you want to spend, and who you want to make the journey with. Some trips will be easy to book while others will require a little more planning on your end.

At the end of the day, while some of these might seem like a small fortune to play, go ahead and purchase a travel bag , buy plane ticket, and start working on your golf trip packing list because these trips will create memories you will cherish forever. Whether you’re going with golfing buddies or family, I don’t think you will be disappointed with any of these destinations.

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10 Best Golf Trips for Travelers on a Budget

There might still be snow on the ground and a chill in the air in some places, but a golfer’s thoughts are already turning to lush fairways and warm weather. What better way to start off spring than with a golf vacation ?

Of course, not everyone has the financial wherewithal to jet to Scotland to play destination links courses. For the budget-minded golfer, there are still plenty of options for a trip that provides challenging courses for a good price — you can break par without breaking the bank.

Read on for GOBankingRates’ look at 10 financially friendly golfing destinations.

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Robert Trent Jones Trail, Alabama

Package costs: Unlimited golf with unlimited cart and range balls starts at $115 per person.

You can get great bang for your buck with this collection of courses in Alabama . Eleven sites across the state, all designed by legendary course designer Robert Trent Jones, Sr., make this a must for golfers.

Be sure to check out The Grand National Course at Opeleika, which plays host to a PGA Tour event.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Package costs: Starting at $100 per person per day

With more than 120 courses in the area, Myrtle Beach has all the golf you could ever want. One great option is the Legends Golf Resort , with five courses on site and Myrtle Beach National’s three courses just around the corner.

The resort offers free breakfast and lunch, with two beverages, for every round.

Orlando, Florida

Package costs: $239 per person per night

The Orlando area has plenty of golf courses to choose from, so you should have your pick of places to play. Staying at the Mission Inn Resort gives you access to two courses on site, the Campeon and Las Colinas courses, which have host PGA Tour Latinoamerica Q schools.

San Diego, California

Package costs: $249 per night, unlimited golf

With 90 courses in San Diego County, you’ll have plenty of options of where to play. Challenge yourself on a PGA Tour course by playing the famous Torrey Pines, a public course.

One bargain is the Sycuan Resort and Casino, with access to Singing Hills Golf Resort .

Harbor Springs, Michigan

Package costs: Starting at $187 per night

You can’t go there in the heart of winter, but Northern Michigan has plenty of great golf courses when the weather warms up. The Boyne Golf resort features 10 courses, and there are plenty of package options.

Miami, Florida

Package costs: Starting at $139 per night

You might not think of “budget friendly” when you think of Miami, but the area has plenty of good golf at reasonable prices.

Miami Lakes Hotel , formerly known as Shula’s Golf Club, is a good place to stay and get access to the Senator Golf Course.

Scottsdale, Arizona

Package costs: Starting at $169 per night

The Scottsdale area has plenty of golf courses at all prices, but the Wigwam Resort provides challenging tracks at reasonable prices.

Plus, there are other affordable courses nearby, including Ocotillo Golf Club, Quintero and Wickenburg Ranch.

Palm Springs, California

Package costs: $149 per night

The mention of Palm Springs conjures images of Bing Crosby and Bob Hope playing exclusive courses, but there’s plenty of good golf available at reasonable prices too.

Owned by the city of La Quinta, the Silverrock Resort offers challenging golf at an affordable cost. And there are oodles of other courses nearby.

Crossville, Tennessee

Package costs: Starting at $100 per night

You might not think of Tennessee as a golf destination, but you can find plenty of great courses at even greater prices.

Stonehenge Golf Club is the No. 1 resort in the state, with greens fees starting around $50. Beat that!

Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Package costs: $599 per person

Kiawah Island is a great golf destination, with seven golf courses designed by luminaries such as Jack Nicklaus, Pete Dye and Tom Fazio. It’s one of the more expensive destinations on this list, but the golf is fantastic. Staying at the Kiawah Resort can get you preferred rates on dining, as well.

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5 Best Golf Trips on a Budget

The best golf trips on a budget provide the ultimate combination of affordability and quality. If you’re an avid golfer, chances are your years of teeing it up all over the nation have taught you a few ways to save additional dollars on your golf trip. Whether it’s traveling outside of peak season or taking advantage of a stay & play golf package, there are several ways to travel extravagantly while remaining money-conscious. 

While some world-famous courses will require you to pay an arm and a leg for a round of golf, we’ve found the destinations where you can experience that same high-end quality for half the price. These are the destinations for the best golf trips on a budget.

5 Destinations for the Best Golf Trips on a Budget

1. myrtle beach, south carolina.

Myrtle Beach is truly one of the top locations for the best golf trips on a budget. Whether you’re traveling with the family or a group of buddies, the city’s 100 premier golf courses are undoubtedly the most economical spot to tee it up in the southeast. A host of golf packages are available, too. Some combine golf with accommodations, while others may include free lunch with each round or a gift card to use in the pro shop.

As the “golf capital of the world” and the “birthplace of the golf package,” almost any course in Myrtle Beach is sure to deliver on affordability and great golf. Some of the best golf trips on a budget include resorts like Legends Golf Resort and Barefoot Resort & Golf that offer the greatest variety of stay & play packages.

With 60 miles of coastline along the Grand Strand and some of the best low-country golf in the nation, Myrtle Beach is one of the best golf trips on a budget. Nearby Hilton Head, SC and Wilmington, NC are top golf spots in the region, too.

2. Orlando, Florida

Check Florida off of your golf bucket list with a trip down south to Orlando. With plenty to offer on and off the fairways, Orlando is one of the best golf trips on a budget. The city boasts nearly 200 golf courses, and a comfortable year-round climate ensures you can play them any day of the week.

The key to finding budget-friendly golf in Orlando is traveling at the right time. Late autumn and all of the winter season are when courses see the most traffic from snowbirds. So, you’re likely to shell out a few extra dollars if visiting from October to May. If you can withstand slightly hotter temperatures, the summer season is the most affordable time to hit the links in Orlando.

Dubsdread Golf Course and Orange County National are two of the best golf trips on a budget. Dubsdread, the oldest course in Orlando, once hosted golfers like Sam Snead and Ben Hogan. Now, you can easily snag a tee time for less than $50. Orange County National is certainly more expensive to play, but the resort boasts on-site accommodations and two championship courses. For the best golf trips on a budget, Orlando is a serious contender.

3. San Diego, California

As with any of the best golf trips on a budget, San Diego has an array of courses for every golfer. If you’re open to splurging on one round, Torrey Pines Golf Course is an excellent option. Located in La Jolla with sweeping ocean vistas, the course has hosted several PGA TOUR Events and is certainly worth playing if you can afford to. Omni La Costa Resort & Spa is a great spot to splurge, too.

Back to more reasonably priced courses, Coronado Golf Course is arguably one of the best golf trips on a budget. Nestled along the shores of the San Diego Bay, Coronado offers stunning views and challenging golf for around $50 that would most certainly cost $150+ anywhere else.

4. Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, Alabama

Specials, packages, memberships, and more – the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is easily one of the best golf trips on a budget. With almost 500 holes of world-class golf across 11 different locations in Alabama, RTJ Golf Trail is the whole package and then some.

The Trail makes it easy to custom build a golf package based on your needs in both affordability and preferred style of golf. You can pick what courses you want to play, when you want to play them, and receive discounted hotel package rates. Alabama’s RTJ Golf Trail also offers seasonal specials that may include unlimited golf, a free round of golf, or a host of other promotions.

5. Harbor Springs, Michigan

Incredible golf packages with serious savings are one of many reasons golfers flock to the premier golf resorts of Northern Michigan. The most popular of these best golf trips on a budget is BOYNE GOLF. The resort boasts ten, championship-level golf courses that offer extraordinary scenery and challenge all facets of your game.

The golf packages at BOYNE are just as impressive as the courses. With too many to count on two hands, packages are available for every budget. Whether you’re looking for a single round or unlimited golf, a wide array of stay & play packages allow you to design your own golf vacation, making BOYNE one of the best golf trips on a budget.

From coast to coast, the best golf trips on a budget are the ideal way to enjoy an incredible golf vacation while keeping your wallet happy. For added savings and convenience on your golf vacation, ship your golf clubs and luggage directly to the first tee. Bypass baggage claim and crowded areas of the airport when you ship ahead. Get a FREE quote today or learn more about the service.

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