If you're an avid golfer looking for your next great golfing adventure, you're in for a treat. While the classic golf destinations like Pebble Beach and Pinehurst are always fantastic, there's a whole world of exceptional golf experiences waiting for you off the beaten path. From the sunny coasts of South Carolina to the rugged mountains of Oregon, these hidden gems offer top-notch courses, luxurious resorts and unforgettable experiences. Some of these destinations are likely familiar to you, but others are hidden gems you may never have considered. So pack your clubs, book your tee times and let's dive into the best golf trip destinations in the U.S. West Coast East Coast Midwest Southwest West Coast Redmond, OR Where to Play: The Ridge Golf Course and the Resort Golf Course at Eagle Crest Resort Eagle Crest Resort offers two fantastic championship courses among a vast juniper forest sitting at the base of the Cascades. The Ridge Golf Course, designed by John Thronson, is an 18-hole, par-72 course offering stunning mountain views and an undulating layout. Take in breathtaking views of the Cascade Peaks and the top of Smith Rock State Park while you hit a long drive on the “driver's dream.” The Resort Golf Course, designed by Gene “Bunny” Mason, is an 18-hole, par-72 course featuring wide fairways and fast greens. Break out your driver on the front nine and be ready as the fairways become tight on the back nine, requiring precise accuracy. In addition to their two championship courses, Eagle Crest Resort has two additional courses to ensure players get their most out of their golf outing. The Challenge Golf Course is an 18-hole executive course that is quicker and more casual, and the Putting Golf Course offers 18 holes of only putts and is perfect for families. Both courses are great for pre-round warmups, enjoying a little extra golf or settling ties post-round. Where to Stay: WorldMark Eagle Crest Take in the natural beauty of Central Oregon at WorldMark Eagle Crest. Here, you'll enjoy scenic views of mountains and rivers while being conveniently located near a wide array of attractions including Smith Rock State Park, High Desert Museum, Peterson Rock Garden and Museum. Amenities include: indoor and outdoor pool, fitness center, tennis courts, on-site dining options. Klamath Falls, OR Where to Play: The Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course at Running Y Resort The Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course, designed by Arnold Palmer, offers a beautiful and difficult 18-hole, par-72 course with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The course features well-manicured greens, water hazards and strategic bunkering, providing an engaging golfing experience. Where to Stay: WorldMark Running Y Located in the scenic Klamath Falls, WorldMark Running Y allows you to explore the diverse wilderness of Southern Oregon. Explore the unique environment of the region with the Crater Lake caldera, Upper Klamath Lake and seven national wildlife refuges. Amenities include: indoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, on-site dining options, full-service spa. Angels Camp, CA Where to Play: Greenhorn Creek Resort Greenhorn Creek offers a challenging 18-hole course with stunning views of the Sierra Nevada foothills. Redesigned by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the course is located in the historic Gold County and features well-manicured fairways, strategic bunkers and water hazards, as well as ancient structures and artifacts of the California Gold Rush era. Where to Stay: WorldMark Angels Camp Stay in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains at WorldMark Angels Camp where you will have easy access to a wide array of outdoor activities, such as hiking and fishing. Popular local attractions are within easy reach, including Moaning Cavern, Columbia State Historic Park and Calaveras County Museum. Amenities include: swimming pool, fitness center, tennis court, outdoor spa, game rooms, basketball court. Palm Springs, CA Where to Play: The Golf Club at Terra Lago / Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort / Seven Lakes Golf & Country Club / Mission Hills North Palm Springs is a golfer's paradise, offering a variety of top-notch courses, including those at the Golf Club at Terra Lago, Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort, Seven Lakes Golf & Country Club and Mission Hills North. Each course features their own unique layout and challenges. But they all share stunning mountain views amid beautiful desert scenery. Where to Stay: WorldMark Palm Springs - Plaza Resort and Spa / WorldMark Indio Both WorldMark Palm Springs – Plaza Resort and Spa are WorldMark Indio provide spectacular views, luxurious accommodations and a convenient location to all the restaurants, shops and attractions of Palm Springs. Amenities of both resorts include: fitness center, tennis court, arcade room, swimming pool, hot tub. San Diego, CA / Oceanside, CA Where to Play: Goat Hill Park Golf Course Just north of San Diego in Oceanside, Goat Hill Park Golf Course combines a laid-back atmosphere with a traditional golf feel. Beloved by locals, this 18-hole, par-65 course is known for its rolling hills and stunning ocean views. With a 'Mini goat' tee for children, this course offers a fun and challenging experience for players of all ages and skill levels. Where to Stay: Club Wyndham Oceanside Pier Resort Located across from the iconic Oceanside Pier, Club Wyndham Oceanside Resort offers stunning ocean views and easy access to the beach where you can enjoy sunbathing, beach volleyball or fishing at the Harbor Fishing Pier. Or take a short drive south to explore the many attractions, restaurants and shops of San Diego. Check out the San Diego's Golf Lover Itinerary. Amenities include: Outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, beach access. East Coast North Myrtle Beach, SC Where to Play: The Norman Course, the Love Course, the Fazio Course and the Dye Course at Barefoot Resort & Golf Barefoot Resort & Golf offers a quartet of championship courses. Each course presents stunning scenery, but each present their own unique layouts and hazards. The Norman Course, designed by Greg Norman, is designed for numerous shot options. The course features various strategic bunkering to provide golfers an exciting challenge. The Love Course, designed by Davis Love III, combines the beauty of the natural environment with local tradition. The course was designed to be enjoyed by both skilled and average golfers alike. The Fazio Course, designed by Tom Fazio, is located in the heart of Barefoot Resort. The course layout is untraditional and European-inspired, and it features elevation changes, lakes, tree cover from surrounding oaks and pines, and strategic bunkering. The Dye Course, designed by Pete Dye, sits on the edge of the Carolina Bays. The course is known for being beautiful yet difficult as it incorporates pitfalls that are signature in a Pete Dye course. Where to Stay: Club Wyndham Dye Villas Stay in style at Club Wyndham Dye Villas, located within the Barefoot Resort. This luxurious resort is surrounded by beautiful beaches and offers spacious villas and easy access to the golf courses. Amenities include: fitness center, on-site dining, swimming pool, clubhouse, concierge services. Orlando, FL Where to Play: Disney's Lake Buena Vista Golf Course Experience the magic of Disney while enjoying a round at Disney's Lake Buena Vista Golf Course. This 18-hole, par-72 country-club style course features immense pine forests and scenic lakes, as well as elevated tees, spacious greens and plenty of water hazards. It was designed by Joe Lee and has hosted PGA Tour events, offering players a professional-level golfing experience. Where to Stay: Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek Stay just minutes away from the course at Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek. This family-friendly resort offers spacious suites, multiple dining options and a shuttle service to nearby Walt Disney World theme parks, making it a great option for a luxurious getaway for the whole family. Amenities include: pools, lazy rivers, fitness center, hot tub, game rooms, mini golf. Kissimmee, FL Where to Play: The Nicklaus Course, the Palmer Course and the Watson Course at Reunion Resort & Golf Club Reunion Resort boasts three signature courses designed by legends Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson. Each course offers unique hitches and world-class conditions. The Nicklaus Course features smooth fairways, elevated tees and fast greens. The Palmer Course is known for high risk/reward shots among elevation changes and a hilly landscape. The Watson Course encourages a strong short game and offers wide fairways and strategically placed bunkers. Where to Stay: WorldMark Reunion Stay on-site at WorldMark Reunion, where you'll have easy access to the courses and a host of amenities for the whole family to enjoy, including a 5-acre water park and fine dining options, making it a perfect destination for families and golf enthusiasts alike. Amenities include: spa, tennis courts, fitness center, pools, hot tubs, game room. Pompano Beach, FL Where to Play: The Oaks Course, the Cypress Course and the Palms Course at the Palm-Aire Country Club Palm-Aire Country Club offers three courses of championship golf, featuring tree-lined fairways and water hazards, which provide a fun and challenging experience for golfers of all skill levels. The Cypress and the Oaks courses were designed by Tom and George Fazio and the Palms course was designed by William Mitchell. The three courses provide diverse, engaging layouts resulting in a variety of golfing experiences. Where to Stay: Club Wyndham Palm-Aire Club Wyndham Palm-Aire is a relaxing retreat where you can lounge poolside, pamper yourself at the full-service spa or take the free shuttle to Pompano Beach to bask in the sand. The resort also has fun for the whole family with mini golf, cornhole, bocce ball and other outdoor activities. Amenities include: fitness center, sauna, on-site dining options, full-service spa, pools, mini golf. Atlanta, GA Where to Play: Bobby Jones Golf Course Named after the legendary golfer, Bobby Jones Golf Course offers a unique reversible nine-hole layout, providing two different nine-hole experiences on the same course. The innovative design by Bob Cupp features multiple tees and large double greens, allowing for a dynamic and engaging golfing experience.And when you're not hitting the greens, there is so much more to discover in Atlanta. Take a look at Atlanta's Golf Lover Itinerary. Where to Stay: Club Wyndham Atlanta Stay in the heart of the city at Club Wyndham Atlanta. The resort overlooks Centennial Olympic Park and is located just a short walk from some to Atlanta's top attractions, including SkyView Ferris wheel, Georgia Aquarium, College Football Hall of Fame and World of Coca Cola. The central location and spacious accommodations make it an ideal base for your Atlanta golf adventure. Amenities include: rooftop swimming pool, on-site dining, fitness center, convenience store. Midwest Fairfield Bay, AR Where to Play: Indian Hills Golf Resort Indian Hills Golf Resort offers a picturesque 18-hole course with challenging holes and beautiful lake views in a championship layout. The course was designed for players of all ages and skill levels and features tree-lined fairways, bunkers, sloped greens and the Indian Rock Cave. Where to Stay: Club Wyndham Resort at Fairfield Bay Located on the shores of the Greers Ferry Lake, Club Wyndham Resort at Fairfield Bay offers comfortable accommodations and access to a variety of outdoor activities, including boating and fishing, among the scenic beauty of the Ozarks. And when not at the golf courses or the lake, visitors can explore the nearby Ozark National Forests and Blanchard Springs Cavern. Amenities include: pools, tennis courts, on-site dining options, hot tubs, mini golf, fitness center, game room, volleyball court. Granby, CO Where to Play: Grand Elk Golf Club Grand Elk Golf Club features a beautiful 18-hole course set against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. Craig Stadler and Tripp Davis designed the course to utilize the natural Colorado landscape to challenge players. The unique pitfalls and the stunning views make it a favorite among golfers. Where to Stay: WorldMark Granby - Rocky Mountain Preserve Stay at WorldMark Granby, where you'll find cozy accommodations and astonishing views of the Continental Divide and the Rocky Mountains. The resort is surrounded by three National Forests, providing for easy access to outdoor activities like biking, hiking and horseback riding. Amenities include: fitness center, outdoor pool, hot tubs, barbecue area. Branson, MO Where to Play: Thousand Hills Golf Resort Thousand Hills Golf Course offers a beautiful par-64 course with stunning views of the Ozarks. Designed by Robert E. Cupp, the course features well-manicured greens, tough water hazards and a scenic layout that's suitable for all skill levels. Where to Stay: WorldMark Branson Stay at WorldMark Branson, where you'll enjoy comfortable accommodations and easy access to Branson's top attractions. You can find an array of live entertainment options in Branson including music, comedy and magic shows. And if you're looking for an outdoor adventure, you have numerous options nearby, such as fishing and boating at Lake Taneycomo and hiking at Table Rock State Park. Amenities include: game room, basketball court, outdoor pool, hot tub, tennis court, fitness center. Southwest Scottsdale, AZ Where to Play: Scottsdale Silverado Golf Club Scottsdale Silverado Golf Club offers an 18-hole, par-70 championship layout course with beautiful views of the Mummy Mountains and desert landscape. Designed by Jack Gilmore and Ross Graves for golfers of all skill levels, the course features undulating greens, deep bunkers and scenic water features. Where to Stay: WorldMark Scottsdale / Orange Tree Resort Both WorldMark Scottsdale and Orange Tree Resort provide comfortable accommodations and stunning views of Camelback Mountain and are just a short distance away from the world-class dining, shopping and art of Scottsdale. Amenities of both resorts include: fitness center, swimming pool, hot tub, barbecue area. Tucson, AZ Where to Play: The Club at Starr Pass The Club at Starr Pass features a stunning 27-holes designed by Arnold Palmer. The course offers undulating layouts with rolling fairways, strategically placed bunkers and beautiful desert scenery, making it a favorite among golfers. Where to Stay: Starr Pass Golf Suites Nestled in the foothills of Tucson Mountain, Starr Pass Golf Suites offers the perfect mix of outdoor adventure and casual elegance. The resort's close proximity to Saguaro National Park makes it an ideal choice for nature lovers. Just six miles from downtown, the resort is conveniently located near dining, shopping and the Tucson Botanical Gardens. Amenities include: swimming pool, tennis court, on-site dining options, fitness center, basketball court. Phoenix, AZ Where to Play: Raven Golf Club / Legacy Golf Club Phoenix offers a variety of top-notch courses, including the championship courses Raven Golf Club and Legacy Golf Club. Raven Golf Club features a challenging 18-hole, par-72 course designed by Gary Panks and David Graham at the foot of South Mountain. The course boasts rolling fairways lined with Georgia pine trees and scenic views of the mountains and the Phoenix skyline. And with their family tees, golfers of all ages and skill levels can experience this fantastic course together. Legacy Golf Club offers an 18-hole, par-71 course designed by Gary Panks sitting on Dwight B. Heard's historic ranch. The course's elevation changes result in stunning views of Camelback Mountain, Squaw Peak and the Phoenix skyline. Players of all skill levels can enjoy the wide fairways, well-manicured greens and strategic bunkers.And after you've finished a round at the course, spend some time exploring Phoenix. Take a look at Phoenix's Golf Lover Itinerary. Where to Stay: Legacy Golf Resort The stunning Legacy Golf Resort provides an inviting community full of amenities and recreation activities among the majestic South Mountain. Spend time at the resort relaxing by the pool, playing a game of basketball or simply enjoying the surrounding mountain views. Or head to downtown Phoenix, just minutes from Legacy Golf Resort, for top-notch dining, shopping, and cultural and sporting events. Amenities include: swimming pool, hot tubs, basketball court, fitness center, barbecue area, on-site dining. Frequently Asked Questions Where is the best place to take a golf trip? The best place to take a golf trip depends on your preferences. For a beachside golf experience, Myrtle Beach, SC is fantastic. For a desert golf adventure, Scottsdale, AZ offers amazing courses with stunning desert views. If you prefer mountain views, Granby, CO is a great choice. Where is the golf capital of the world? While many consider St. Andrews in Scotland to be the historic golf capital, in the U.S., Myrtle Beach, SC is often dubbed the 'Golf Capital of the World' due to its numerous top-quality courses and golf-friendly environment. How to plan a golf trip on a budget? To plan a golf trip on a budget, consider traveling during the off-season, booking tee times during twilight hours for discounted rates and looking for resort package deals that include accommodations and golf. Where is golf played the most in the U.S.? Golf is played extensively throughout the U.S., but Florida, California and Arizona are particularly popular due to their year-round favorable weather conditions and abundance of high-quality courses. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just looking to enjoy a relaxing golf vacation, these destinations offer some of the best golf trip experiences in the U.S. So, grab your clubs, book your tee times and get ready for an unforgettable golfing adventure!
