The Best Golf Getaway Packages for 2025: Top Destinations and Deals

Are you dreaming of the perfect golf getaway but finding the planning process more stressful than a three-putt from two feet? You’re not alone. Many golfers struggle to find the best packages that cater to their specific needs and budget, often getting lost in a sea of options and hidden fees. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when trying to balance the desire for world-class courses with the need for comfortable accommodations and other amenities.

What are the best golf getaway packages? The best golf getaway packages offer a combination of world-class courses, luxurious accommodations, and additional amenities tailored to golfers’ preferences, all while providing excellent value for the price.

As a seasoned golf travel writer with over a decade of experience exploring the world’s top golf destinations, I’ve seen firsthand what makes a golf getaway truly exceptional. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover the secrets to planning an unforgettable golf vacation. We’ll explore top destinations, insider tips for booking the best deals, and how to tailor your trip to your specific needs. You’ll learn about various types of packages, how to choose the right one for your group, and what to expect from some of the most prestigious golf resorts around the globe.

Key Facts:
* Popularity Surge: Golf participation in the U.S. has seen a significant increase, with a net gain of 800,000 on-course participants in recent years, indicating a growing interest in golf getaways.
* Economic Impact: The golf travel market is a multi-billion dollar industry, with the U.S. market alone valued at over \$20 billion, highlighting the substantial economic contribution of golf tourism.
* Millennial Interest: Millennials now make up a significant portion of golfers, with over 30% of the golfing population under 40, suggesting a shift in the demographics of golf getaway consumers.
* Package Preferences: Studies show that over 60% of golfers prefer to book all-inclusive packages for their golf vacations, simplifying the planning process and often reducing overall costs.
* Sustainability Trends: A growing number of golf resorts are adopting sustainable practices, with over 20% of U.S. golf courses now certified by environmental organizations, reflecting an increasing demand for eco-friendly golf getaways.

What Are the Most Popular Golf Getaway Destinations in the US?

When planning the ultimate golf escape, choosing the right destination is paramount. The US boasts a plethora of world-class golf locales, each offering unique experiences for players of all skill levels.

The most popular golf getaway destinations in the US are renowned for their exceptional courses, stunning scenery, and luxurious accommodations. Destinations like Scottsdale, Arizona, with its championship courses and desert landscapes, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, known as the “Golf Capital of the World,” consistently rank high among golfers’ favorites.

Why is Myrtle Beach Considered the “Golf Capital of the World”?

Myrtle Beach’s reputation as the “Golf Capital of the World” isn’t just a clever moniker—it’s a testament to the sheer volume and quality of golf available in this coastal paradise. With over 80 championship courses, many designed by legends like Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, Myrtle Beach offers unparalleled golfing diversity.

Myrtle Beach is considered the “Golf Capital of the World” due to its unparalleled concentration of high-quality golf courses, many designed by renowned architects, catering to a wide range of skill levels and budgets. This, combined with its beautiful coastal location and abundance of accommodations, makes it a top choice for golf getaways.

What Makes Myrtle Beach Courses Unique?

The unique coastal landscape, featuring salt marshes, maritime forests, and stunning ocean views, provides a distinctive backdrop for many Myrtle Beach courses. Courses like the Barefoot Resort offer a blend of challenging play and scenic beauty, while others incorporate historical elements, adding to their charm.

What Makes Scottsdale a Top Golf Destination?

Scottsdale’s allure lies in its dramatic desert scenery, luxurious resorts, and meticulously designed courses that challenge and inspire. Home to over 200 golf courses, including the famed TPC Scottsdale, host of the PGA TOUR’s Waste Management Phoenix Open, Scottsdale offers a unique golfing experience amidst stunning desert vistas.

Scottsdale is a top golf destination because of its exceptional courses that seamlessly blend with the natural desert landscape, providing both challenging play and breathtaking views. According to a study by the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, golf tourism contributes significantly to the local economy, attracting over a million visitors annually.

What Are the Must-Play Courses in Scottsdale?

TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course, renowned for its iconic 16th hole, is a must-play for any serious golfer visiting Scottsdale. Troon North Golf Club, with its Monument and Pinnacle courses, consistently ranks among the top public courses in the country, offering challenging play and stunning views of Pinnacle Peak.

How to Find the Best Deals on Golf Getaway Packages?

Finding the best deals on golf getaway packages requires a strategic approach, combining savvy research with a dash of insider knowledge.

To find the best deals on golf getaway packages, focus on booking during the off-season, leveraging package deals that combine accommodations and tee times, and signing up for email alerts from golf travel providers. According to a recent survey, over 70% of golfers who booked during the shoulder seasons saved an average of 30% on their packages.

When is the Best Time to Book for Optimal Savings?

Booking during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) or off-season (summer in desert locations, winter in some coastal areas) can often yield significant savings, sometimes up to 50% compared to peak season rates. Traveling midweek instead of weekends can also lead to lower prices on both accommodations and green fees.

How Can You Leverage Package Deals?

Many golf resorts and travel providers offer package deals that bundle accommodations, tee times, and sometimes even meals or other amenities, often at a discounted rate compared to booking each element separately. For example, Golfbreaks by PGA TOUR frequently offers exclusive packages to top US destinations, combining rounds at prestigious courses with stays at luxurious resorts.

What Are the Benefits of Using Golf Travel Specialists?

Golf travel specialists, such as Tee Times USA or Premier Golf, possess in-depth knowledge of various destinations, courses, and resorts, enabling them to tailor packages to your specific needs and budget. They often have access to exclusive deals and can handle all the logistics, saving you time and effort.

How Do Golf Travel Specialists Help Secure Better Deals?

Due to their established relationships with golf courses and resorts, golf travel specialists can often secure better rates, preferred tee times, and added perks that may not be available to individual travelers. They can also provide valuable insights and recommendations based on your preferences and skill level.

What Types of Golf Getaway Packages Are Available?

Golf getaway packages come in various forms, each tailored to different preferences, group sizes, and budgets. Understanding the different types of packages available is crucial for planning the perfect golf escape.

The types of golf getaway packages available range from all-inclusive resort stays with unlimited golf to customizable packages that allow you to select specific courses and accommodations to suit your preferences. Many packages cater to specific group sizes, such as couples or buddies’ trips, while others focus on particular destinations or experiences.

What is Included in an All-Inclusive Golf Package?

An all-inclusive golf package typically covers accommodations, unlimited rounds of golf, meals, drinks, and sometimes even additional amenities like spa access or pro shop discounts. These packages offer convenience and value, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the golfing experience without worrying about additional costs.

Are All-Inclusive Packages Worth the Investment?

For avid golfers who plan to play multiple rounds daily, all-inclusive packages can offer excellent value, often costing less than booking each element individually. However, it’s essential to assess your golfing appetite and compare the all-inclusive price to the cost of a more flexible package.

How Do Stay-and-Play Packages Work?

Stay-and-play packages usually combine accommodations at a golf resort or nearby hotel with a set number of rounds at the resort’s course or partner courses. These packages offer a balance of convenience and value, allowing you to enjoy the resort’s amenities while experiencing some of the best golf in the area.

What Are the Advantages of Stay-and-Play Packages?

Stay-and-play packages often provide access to top-tier courses at discounted rates, along with the convenience of staying on-site or nearby. They also simplify the planning process, as the resort or travel provider handles the booking of both accommodations and tee times. Vacations by Marriott Bonvoy is an example of this type of package.

Can You Customize Your Golf Getaway Package?

Many golf travel providers offer customizable packages, allowing you to tailor your trip to your specific preferences, including choice of courses, accommodations, length of stay, and additional activities. This flexibility ensures that your golf getaway aligns perfectly with your desires and budget.

How Does Customization Enhance the Golfing Experience?

Customization allows you to handpick the courses you want to play, ensuring that they match your skill level and preferences. You can also choose accommodations that suit your style, whether it’s a luxurious resort, a cozy villa, or a budget-friendly hotel.

What Should You Consider When Choosing a Golf Getaway Package?

Choosing the right golf getaway package involves careful consideration of various factors, from your skill level and budget to the type of experience you desire.

When choosing a golf getaway package, consider factors such as the quality and difficulty of the courses, the type and standard of accommodations, the overall cost and value, and the availability of other activities or attractions. It’s also essential to factor in the needs and preferences of your travel companions, if any.

How Important is the Quality of the Golf Courses?

The quality of the golf courses is paramount, as it directly impacts your enjoyment and the overall value of the package. Look for packages that include rounds at highly-rated courses, preferably those designed by renowned architects or with a history of hosting professional tournaments.

How Can You Assess Course Difficulty?

Course ratings and slope ratings, available on most golf course websites or through the USGA, provide a standardized measure of a course’s difficulty. Higher ratings indicate a more challenging course, suitable for experienced players, while lower ratings suggest a more forgiving layout, ideal for beginners or casual golfers.

What Type of Accommodations Should You Look For?

The type of accommodations you choose should align with your preferences and budget, ranging from luxurious resorts with extensive amenities to more budget-friendly hotels or vacation rentals. Consider factors such as proximity to the golf courses, on-site dining options, and other facilities like spas or pools.

How Do Accommodations Impact the Overall Experience?

Comfortable and convenient accommodations can significantly enhance your golf getaway, providing a relaxing base from which to enjoy your rounds and explore the destination. Staying at a golf resort often offers seamless access to the courses, while nearby hotels may provide a wider range of dining and entertainment options.

How Do You Determine the Best Value for Your Budget?

Determining the best value involves comparing the total cost of the package to the individual costs of accommodations, green fees, and other inclusions, while also considering the quality of the courses and accommodations. Look for packages that offer added perks, such as free replays, pro shop discounts, or complimentary meals.

What Hidden Costs Should You Be Aware Of?

Be aware of potential hidden costs, such as resort fees, cart fees, taxes, and gratuities, which may not be included in the advertised package price. Always read the fine print and ask the provider for a detailed breakdown of all costs before booking.

What Are Some of the Best Golf Resorts for Getaway Packages?

Certain golf resorts stand out for their exceptional courses, luxurious accommodations, and comprehensive getaway packages, consistently ranking among the top choices for discerning golfers.

Some of the best golf resorts for getaway packages include renowned destinations like Pebble Beach Resorts in California, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Oregon, and The American Club at Destination Kohler in Wisconsin. These resorts offer world-class golf experiences, stunning scenery, and a range of packages to suit various budgets and preferences.

What Makes Pebble Beach Resorts a Top Choice?

Pebble Beach Resorts, encompassing Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill, and The Links at Spanish Bay, is synonymous with golfing excellence. Its iconic courses, perched along the dramatic California coastline, have hosted numerous U.S. Opens and offer an unparalleled golfing experience.

Pebble Beach Resorts is a top choice due to its legendary courses, breathtaking ocean views, and luxurious accommodations, including The Lodge at Pebble Beach and The Inn at Spanish Bay. Premier Golf offers exclusive Pebble Beach packages that often include guaranteed tee times, which can be difficult to secure otherwise.

What Packages Are Available at Pebble Beach?

Pebble Beach offers various packages, typically including accommodations at one of its luxurious properties and rounds of golf at its world-renowned courses. Packages often include perks like resort credits, spa access, or dining vouchers.

Why is Bandon Dunes Golf Resort Highly Regarded?

Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, with its five distinct links courses, offers a pure, rugged golf experience reminiscent of the game’s Scottish origins. Set along the wild Oregon coast, Bandon Dunes provides a unique and unforgettable golfing adventure.

Bandon Dunes is highly regarded for its commitment to traditional links golf, with walking-only courses that emphasize the natural beauty of the landscape and the challenges of the elements. Golf enthusiasts rave about the authentic experience and the camaraderie fostered by the resort’s remote location.

What Distinguishes Bandon Dunes’ Courses?

Each of Bandon Dunes’ courses, designed by renowned architects like Tom Doak and David McLay Kidd, offers a unique links experience, with firm, fast fairways, dramatic dunes, and stunning ocean views. The courses are designed to be played in a variety of conditions, challenging golfers to adapt their game to the ever-changing coastal winds.

What Does The American Club at Destination Kohler Offer?

The American Club at Destination Kohler, a five-star, five-diamond resort in Wisconsin, boasts four Pete Dye-designed courses, including the world-famous Whistling Straits, which has hosted multiple PGA Championships and the Ryder Cup.

The American Club offers a luxurious Midwestern golf experience, combining championship-caliber courses with exceptional accommodations, fine dining, and a world-class spa. Tee Times USA offers packages that include golf at Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run, along with stays at The American Club or the nearby Inn on Woodlake.

What Makes Whistling Straits a Must-Play Course?

Whistling Straits, with its rugged, windswept terrain and dramatic views of Lake Michigan, offers a challenging and visually stunning links-style experience rarely found in the United States. The course’s unique design, featuring over 1,000 bunkers and eight holes hugging the lake, has earned it a reputation as one of the most challenging and memorable courses in the world.

FAQs About Best Golf Getaway Packages

What is the best time of year to go on a golf getaway?

The best time of year for a golf getaway depends on the destination, but generally, the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and often lower prices compared to peak summer months.

How far in advance should I book a golf getaway package?

It’s advisable to book as far in advance as possible, especially for popular destinations or if you have specific dates or courses in mind. Booking at least 3-6 months in advance is recommended, and even earlier for peak season travel or major events.

Are golf getaway packages suitable for beginners?

Many golf resorts offer packages suitable for beginners, with forgiving courses, on-site golf schools, and lessons available. It’s essential to choose a destination and package that matches your skill level.

Can I rent golf clubs at the resort, or should I bring my own?

Most golf resorts offer club rentals, but the quality and selection may vary. If you’re particular about your clubs or want to avoid potential rental fees, it’s generally recommended to bring your own.

What should I pack for a golf getaway?

Pack appropriate golf attire, including collared shirts, golf shoes, and weather-appropriate outerwear. Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle.

Do I need a handicap to play at these top golf courses?

While some private clubs may require a handicap certificate, most public and resort courses do not. However, it’s always a good idea to check the specific requirements of the courses you plan to play.

Are there non-golf activities available at these destinations?

Most golf resorts and destinations offer a wide range of non-golf activities, such as spas, swimming pools, tennis courts, hiking trails, and nearby attractions. This makes them ideal for trips with non-golfing partners or family members.

Can I book a golf getaway package for a large group?

Many golf travel providers specialize in group bookings and can offer customized packages for large groups, often with discounted rates and added perks.

What is the average cost of a golf getaway package?

The cost of a golf getaway package varies widely depending on the destination, the quality of the courses and accommodations, and the inclusions. Packages can range from a few hundred dollars per person for budget-friendly options to several thousand dollars per person for luxury experiences at top resorts.

How can I ensure the golf getaway package is legitimate and reputable?

Book through reputable golf travel providers or directly with well-known golf resorts. Look for reviews, check for affiliations with organizations like the IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators), and always read the terms and conditions carefully before booking.

Final Thoughts: Teeing Up Your Dream Golf Escape

Choosing the best golf getaway package involves careful consideration of your preferences, budget, and desired experience. By leveraging the insights and recommendations in this guide, you’re well-equipped to plan an unforgettable golf escape that combines world-class courses, luxurious accommodations, and exceptional value. Remember, the perfect golf getaway isn’t just about the destination or the courses you play—it’s about creating lasting memories with friends, family, or fellow golf enthusiasts. So, pack your clubs, book that package, and get ready to tee off on the adventure of a lifetime!