Golf vacations continue to grow in popularity, with more than 12 million Americans traveling to the course each year. It’s not just serious golfers who play the sport while on vacation. Golf vacations continue to grow in popularity, even among casual golfers (I am one), and many courses in the United States now offer packages and discounts to guests who stay on-site at their hotels and resorts. resort.
Even golf courses that don’t do it Hoteliers who own their own hotels are joining the trend by creating discounts for customers of partner hotels. And with non-golf options like spas, destination restaurants, and activities like hiking, there’s still plenty to do for the non-golfers in the group. Here are my top eight picks for a hole-in-one golf vacation.
GOLF HOLIDAYS: Our non-golfing family stayed at America’s premier golf resort and had a great time.
1. Moonlight Basin Reserve
Big Sky, Montana
Moonlight Basin Reserve, designed by Jack Nicklaus, has one of the longest holes in the United States at 777 yards. The preserve is known for its 1,000-foot elevation changes and hillside clubhouse, where golfers can take in mountain views before teeing off or after finishing a round.
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If a mountainside course isn’t enough to lure you into a golf vacation in Big Sky, Montana, then the stunning rentals offered by Moonlight Lodging might just do it. Each of the rental properties has access to the private Moonlight Lodge, where you can swim and dine between daily rounds of golf. At night, you can watch the sunset over the mountains while sipping a glass of wine and spending time with family and friends.
2. Davis Love III Atlantic Dunes
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, is known for its beachfront hotels and superb golf courses, one of the most impressive of which is the Atlantic Dunes course at the Sea Pines Resort. A complete rebuild of the very first course built on Hilton Head, Atlantic Dunes is full of hidden bunkers and water hazards, making it challenging while remaining playable for beginning golfers.
I was lucky enough to be able to play this course, and it was the perfect difficulty level for someone who doesn’t get out to play as often as I would like. Sea Pines Resort also has other courses (Harbor Town Golf Links and Heron Point by Pete Dye), making it one of the best destinations in the country for a golf vacation.
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Base your golf getaway at Sea Pines Resort, a sprawling vacation and residential community on the coast of Hilton Head Island. Depending on your personal needs and group size, you can book everything from a standard hotel room to a vacation home for up to 12 people (ideal for large families).
Fair warning: You may never want to leave Sea Pines Resort once you arrive thanks to the abundance of restaurants, shops, and activities at this golf vacation community’s doorstep.
3. Disney Magnolia Course
Orlando, Florida
If you’ve ever wanted to combine the magic of a Disney trip with the relaxation of a golf vacation, then you’re in luck. At Walt Disney World in Orlando, you can take on three challenging golf courses, including the Magnolia Course, which is the longest in the theme park. The course underwent a massive renovation in 2023 with a new design and layout. Each hole on the course is now named after a classic Disney film and features a quote from Walt Disney or Arnold Palmer.
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Reminiscent of the country’s finest national park lodges, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge offers spacious rooms, great views of Bay Lake, and plenty of dining options you won’t miss when visiting the theme parks themselves. Between shots of the golf ball, you can also try your hand at catch-and-release fishing at Bay Lake. At the end of the night, head to Geyser Point to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks or the cute electric water show go by.
4. Wailea Blue Golf Course
Maui, Hawaii
The Wailea Blue Golf Course combines incredible views of the ocean and Mount Haleakala, Maui’s famous volcano, with a challenging round of golf. The fairways are wide and generous, but many natural hazards make this golf course a great challenge. During the winter months, you may also spot a humpback whale from the lush green fairways that lead to the ocean.
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For a true luxury golf vacation, stay at the Four Seasons Resort Maui in Wailea. The resort is located across the street from the golf course and its concierge team can help guests with tee times. It also has direct beach access, stunning infinity pools overlooking the ocean, more than 70 complimentary cabanas around the property, and elegant oceanfront suites large enough for your entire group to lie down and enjoy some quiet time after the party. course.
5. Brickyard Crossing Golf Course
Indianapolis, Indiana
Golf and NASCAR fans will want to play Brickyard Crossing Golf Course. The unique course has four of its holes inside the oval of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Golfers must roll or walk under the racing track to get to the holes, where cars may also race or practice at the same time.
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Near the Brickyard Crossing Golf Course you will find the Bottleworks Hotel. The historic building once housed a bottling factory. Some of the original bottling plant pieces can still be seen at the hotel, including the terrazzo floors and historically accurate exterior. Each room offers great views of the city and most have a terrace to enjoy the evening.
6. South Boulders Course
Scottsdale, Arizona
Pass huge granite boulders and cacti at the Boulders South Course in Scottsdale, Arizona. There are also two themed holes here. Hole five combines the backdrop of a rock formation with 40-foot-tall saguaro cacti, while hole seven takes you near “Rosie’s Rock,” a three-story boulder balanced just feet from the tee.
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Notable for its bright red rock landscape, Boulders Resort and Spa Scottsdale offers accommodations suitable for all sizes of golf vacation groups, including two- and three-bedroom private homes. While staying here, you can play golf at the Boulders South course, take a dip in the pool, or take in the views while sipping a cocktail at the Discovery Lounge.
7. Rope Rider Golf Course
Elu Key, Washington
Foundations and other remains of old coal mines remain on the Rope Rider Golf Course course. With over 7,300 yards of play, this challenging course also allows for shorter loops of three or six shots, perfect for golf vacations with kids who may not be ready for a full 18-hole round.
Where to Stay to Play Rope Rider Golf Course
If you want to stay just a few feet from the course, consider the Suncadia Resort. The stunning Cascades property offers private home rentals, condo rentals, or traditional hotel and lodge stays. Besides golf, there are many activities here, including bike rides, a spa, and an ax throwing experience.
8. Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
If you’re looking for a real challenge, head to the tee box at the Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course. Your round of golf begins with a high-speed boat ride on Lake Coeur d’Alene. Then, tee off on the first of 18 holes, many of which offer impressive lake views. Just before the end of the round, you will reach the 14th hole, nicknamed The Floating Green, because golfers must take a boat to get to the green in the middle of the lake.
Stay right in the heart of the action at Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf & Spa Resort. Besides golf, the resort offers a multitude of outdoor activities like lake cruises, fishing, boating, biking, hiking, paddleboarding and much more. After getting your fill of the outdoors, come home for a drink in one of the many lounges. The resort has 338 rooms and suites, some of which overlook the lake or park, so you can guarantee there will be a room that your family will like.
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