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10 budget-friendly golf trips you should take this spring

Is there a better activity as a golfer in the winter months than plotting your next golf trip? If you’re like us, you’re dreaming of booking a trip for the spring right now. Though many courses and resorts are booking up, there are still plenty of great options worth considering.

We’ve compiled this list, curated with help from our friends at Golfbreaks by PGA TOUR specifically for golfers on a budget—identifying destinations with a plethora of options for every level of player.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is the Holy Grail of budget golf trips. Your dollar will go far in terms of lodging and nightlife—but the golf is endless and really good (one report states 120 courses open for operation on the Grand Strand … but it’s more if you include surrounding North Carolina courses).

Though courses like Caledonia and True Blue, or all four at Barefoot Resort, are priorities if they fit into your itinerary, golfers on a budget might build their trips around these Myrtle Beach spots:

The Tom Doak-designed Heathland course.

Courtesy of GolfBreaks

The Legends Golf Resort is a popular destination for anyone looking for a stay-and-play option. On-site, two- or three-bedroom “villas” provide access to three courses— Heathland , Moorland and Parkland —which all made Golf Digest’s “Sixty Best” in Myrtle Beach ranking in 2010. Staying at the Legends also provides access to The Heritage Club, a semi-private Dan Maples design in Pawleys Island, and Oyster Bay Golf Links, which is just over the border in North Carolina (and also a member of our 2010 ranking of Myrtle’s best). If you’re looking to make planning easy, the Legends is a solid option. Another benefit of doing the stay-and-play at Legends : You can enjoy the on-site Ailsa Pub, which Golf Digest ranked one of its best 19th hole bars. If you’re looking for a couple of other close courses, Myrtle Beach National has three courses just around the corner from Legends.

If proximity to Myrtle’s nightlife is a factor, we recommend the Myrtlewood Villas & Golf Resort , located across the road from Broadway on the Beach (where many bars, restaurants are). Myrtlewood has two courses on-site, Pine Hills and Palmetto (above). Pine Hills was renovated by Arthur Hills in 1993 and demands precision on tee shots and approaches with rolling terrain and good movement to each hole. The Palmetto course is a bit more benign tee to green but features a challenging 18th hole, with the Intracoastal Waterway all up the left side.

Staying in a central location in Myrtle makes it easy to get to courses on both ends of town (it’s about an hour drive from North Myrtle down to Pawleys Island). Check out our list of the best courses in South Carolina to help plan.

For decent options closeby to Myrtlewood , Pine Lakes Country Club (above), aka the Granddaddy, is a must. Pine Lakes is the oldest course in Myrtle Beach, built in 1927 by the first PGA of America president Robert White, and is a fun layout with some good design variety.

Just up the road are a few of Myrtle mainstays. The Dunes Golf and Beach Club is the highest-ranked course on Golf Digest’s list in South Carolina (public or private) and has limited availability to the public. The 1949 Robert Trent Jones design is 64th on Golf Digest’s latest America’s 100 Greatest Public rankings . Grande Dunes is also in the same neighborhood and has been on golfers’ lists of courses you need to play in Myrtle for years. Arcadian Shores (above), a challenging Rees Jones design just down the road, is also worth considering.

Interested in booking one of these trips? Click here to start pricing out your trip with our friends at Golfbreaks by PGA TOUR, or call them: (+1) 843.779.7134.

Southern Pines, N.C.

Any serious spring-golf articles should highlight one of the most golf-rich meccas in the U.S. The courses at Pinehurst are already on your radar, but in terms of budget golf, there are some of the best options on the East Coast.

Ryan Barnett/Courtesy of Southern Pines

Southern Pines is one of the best recent public golf restorations after Kyle Franz’s work was completed last year. One of the first Donald Ross original designs, Franz examined Ross blueprints to restore his signature greens, reconfiguring some for the game’s modern green speeds. Again, for less than $200 at peak on weekends, Southern Pines should be on every golfer’s list visiting the area.

Courtesy of Mid-Pines GC/kevinmurraygolfphotography.com

Another recent Franz renovation is Mid Pines Golf Club , another Ross original, which sits at No. 93 on Golf Digest’s 100 Greatest Public . Franz worked on the crew in revitalizing Pinehurst No. 2 under Coore and Crenshaw and adapted those motifs into his 2013 renovation. Mid Pines is a must-play, as is Pine Needles , which is ranked even higher on our 100 Greatest Public (73rd). Pine Needles —which also underwent a recent renovation by John Fought—will host the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open, so a trip in the spring will allow you to play the course the pros play in the summer.

RELATED: The best golf resorts in the Carolinas

And of course, one of our favorites in the area is Tobacco Road , the quirky but invigorating Mike Strantz design that sits at No. 49 on our 100 Greatest Public list. Though blind shots and unorthodox hole designs puzzle first-timers (and regulars), it’s one of the most fun courses if you embrace the unique challenge. As our Architecture Emeritus Ron Whitten once wrote: “Each hole looks intimidating from the tee but reveals plenty of elbow room for tee shots and approaches, as well as spin-outs and crash landings.” Go see it for yourself.

Florida is an automatic in terms of cold-weather golf destinations. The only question is where to head to in the Sunshine State?

If you’re talking about budget trips, Orlando should be near the top of your list. There are few places in the state with such an abundance of solid golf. Some of it is more expensive than others ( Streamsong , though closer to Tampa, is the highest-ranked option with three layouts on our Second 100 Greatest list, but might be out of the budget of value-seekers). We have done some work to find the most cost-effective places for your Florida trips.

The Mission Inn Resort and Club is one of Orlando’s best, under-the-radar spots. The Campeón and Las Colinas courses are regularly under $100 and are two challenging but fair designs. The PGA Tour Latinoamerica Q-school was hosted at Mission Inn in the fall, and both courses have hosted a litany of other events. The resort at Mission Inn offers Spanish-style villas and decors—adding nice variety compared to typical golf lodging options.

J.J. Suftko

One of those more typical lodging options would be the Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando . You’re centrally located in Orlando here, making it easy to get to any of Orlando’s good golf options. Right on site is Shingle Creek (above), which was renovated in 2017 by Thad Layton, lead designer of the Arnold Palmer group. Shingle Creek is a fun but challenging layout (tipping out at 7,200 yards) with thoughtful green designs and bunkering with some reachable par 4s and par 5s.

About 20-25 minutes away in Kissimmee are a few solid options, including the three courses at Reunion, a Golf Digest Editors’ Choice winner for Best Resorts , and also Celebration , which features risk-reward options from Robert Trent Jones Jr. and Sr. Though a challenging test with forced carries, wide fairways provide options for all levels of player.

A natural for any Orlando trip is getting to the Disney area, and even if the theme parks aren’t a part of your itinerary, all the golf at Disney is worth playing. The Magnolia Course (above) was the host of a PGA Tour event for decades.

One more lodging option worth mentioning: Golfbreaks has curated homes and villas in the Orlando area with close proximity to a couple other Orlando options worth playing. Both Greg Norman courses at the Omni Orlando Resort at Championsgate—including the International course , the National and the par-3 Champions course—were all renovated in the past five years. Hawk’s Landing , located at the Marriott Orlando World Center, has been a go-to for Orlando goers for years. And there are dozens of other options worth trying to play, including the courses at Orange County National, also a longtime host of Q-schools, and of course Bay Hill, which wouldn’t be included in a “budget” type of itinerary, but a necessary mention in Orlando golf articles.

South Beach and ‘budget’ are usually not in the same sentence. But when it comes to golf, you can put together an affordable trip that’s worth taking.

A favorite of many Miami goers is the Shula’s Hotel and Golf Club , located about 25 minutes from downtown, which provides access to the Senator course (above). Any NFL fan will appreciate the nods to Shula’s 1972 Miami Dolphins, the only perfect team in football history. Another course worth tacking onto an itinerary is the International Links Melreese Country Club . Located minutes away from the airport, it’s the perfect course to tack onto the first or last day of your trip.

Jensen Larson

One of our favorites in the area is Crandon Golf (above) in nearby Key Biscayne. Tee times have increased with the popularity of golf, but for less than $200 at peak and the sterling views and design of this Robert von Hagge/Bruce Devlin design, it’s tough to beat for public golf in the state, ranking among our top 15 public options in our last ranking of public golf in Florida .

Kiawah Island

On the upper-end of golf vacations you can take, we’re here to provide some alternative ways to visit one of the nation’s best golf destinations.

The villas at Kiawah are a cheaper way to do Kiawah, rather than the five-star Sanctuary Hotel (which, of course, we’d recommend for those who can afford it ). Staying at the villas allows you to build some of Kiawah’s other courses into your itinerary, and there are always decent stay-and-play options to explore. (Golfbreaks by PGA TOUR has done the work for you, contact them for more.)

Of course, you know the Ocean Course , which hosted last year’s PGA Championship in addition to the 2011 PGA and 1991 Ryder Cup. One of Pete Dye’s best designs is worth trying to build into your trip, though there are four other great courses worth playing, too.

In a soon-to-be-released Best Places You Can Play in South Carolina, three of the remaining four courses appear in our top 25.

The 10th hole (left) and the 18th at Osprey Point, separated by Canvasback Pond

Patrick O'Brien/Kiawah Island Golf Resort

Osprey Point ​​underwent a renovation in 2014 by Tom Fazio. Several holes at Osprey Point run parallel to water hazards and deep bunkers provide ample defense against greens of varying sizes.

The sixth hole at Cougar Point Golf Course

Cougar Point was also renovated recently, by Gary Player’s team in 2017, and it reopened as a brand-new marshland course design at Kiawah Island Resort. Generous fairways and vast greens coupled with risk-reward par 5s and abundant water hazards make this golf course extremely playable.

The 15th hole at Turtle Point Golf Course

Patrick O'Brien

The Turtle Point course at Kiawah Island was regrassed in 2016 and underwent a Jack Nicklaus renovation, with all bunkers reconstructed.

Oak Point is the fifth course on the resort and worth playing while you’re staying at Kiawah Island. It underwent a renovation in 2015 and more on the affordable end.

Though Kiawah Island will be on the minds of anyone heading to Charleston, there is worthwhile golf closer to the city that is worth playing.

We highly recommend trying to get to Charleston Municipal, which reopened in October 2020 after an extensive renovation by designer Troy Miller, who completely rebuilt the 1929 J.M. Whitsett municipal course. Miller accented the design with Seth Raynor template greens and steep bunkers and shaping, a reference to Raynor’s work at nearby C.C. of Charleston and Yeamans Hall.

We recommend the Wild Dunes Resort (above), which is about 30 minutes from downtown Charleston in Isle of Palms. For golfers, it’s a great hub to your Charleston golf trip, featuring two 18-hole courses designed by Tom Fazio—the Links and the Harbor.

Courtesy: The Links Course at Wild Dunes

The Links (above) was one of Fazio’s first solo designs, and though a storm forced the rerouting of some holes on the back, it now ends on the picturesque par 3 right on the water.

Courtesy: The Harbor Course at Wild Dunes/Holger M. Obenaus

The Harbor Course is not long, tipping out at just under 6,400 yards, but can challenge better players with a number of tight driving corridors and approach shots. A number of holes right on the Intracoastal Waterway provide a worthwhile second course at Wild Dunes .

Courtesy: Charleston National

For other worthwhile Charleston options, Charleston National is a popular addition to most itineraries. This Rees Jones semi-private course, located about 20 minutes from downtown, is carved through natural wetlands, lagoons, pine and oak-tree forests.

Just a few turns away in Mount Pleasant is another worthwhile addition, RiverTowne Country Club , is an Arnold Palmer Signature design that has hosted LPGA Tour events in the past.

RELATED: Where to eat in Charleston, S.C.

If we’re writing about Charleston and Kiawah, we need to include Sea Island , one of golf’s most relaxing getaways. The recently constructed Inn at Sea Island provides a more cost-effective option with access to Sea Island’s three award-winning courses.

The Seaside  and Plantation courses host the annual PGA Tour’s RSM Classic—the Seaside course  (above) is a mainstay on Golf Digest’s 100 Greatest Public list and ranks 172nd on Golf Digest’s Second 100 Greatest ranking . The Plantation course re-opened in October 2019 after a major remodeling by Sea Island resident Davis Love III and his brother, Mark. The Retreat course , also designed by DL III and his brother, opened in 2001, and is a worthwhile third course to add to your trip.

Scottsdale is a perfect destination throughout the year but especially in the winter. Scottsdale’s plethora of good golf makes it a perfect haven for golfers of every level—and value-seeking golfers can find some affordable options in the desert.

Just 15 minutes from the airport and right in the heart of the city, Hyatt House Scottsdale/Old Town is a convenient and budget-friendly option that will be a favorite for trip-goers who will be enjoying downtown Scottsdale’s nightlife.

Courtesy of the TPC Network

For those wanting a taste of the TPC Scottsdale treatment at a reduced price, the Champions Course at TPC Scottsdale  (above), built in 2007, is playable for higher-handicappers but still a challenge for better players. A creek runs through the course, providing a rare water hazard in the desert, while the McDowell Mountains offer a scenic backdrop for shots hit Eastward.

Another popular value recommendation by Golfbreaks by PGA TOUR is Ocotillo Golf Club , in Chandler, Ariz., which is worth the quick 25-minute drive for some solid golf at a discounted price. Mature trees and water hazards transplant golfers from the typical desert scapes of Scottsdale—and three nines make it a great one-stop shop for a full day of golf. If there’s a game on, the Ocotillo Grille is a good hang before or after your round.

Another option south of Scottsdale that differs a bit from typical desert golf is Raven Golf Club . Host to many college golf tournaments, Raven’s fairways roll with the natural terrain of the valley. Mature pines are a staple all over the course. Just seven miles from the airport, this is the perfect option for play on the day of arrival or departure.

One of our favorites, too, is Papago, a muny in Phoenix that has been a popular spot for locals through the years. Arizona State’s golf teams signed a deal a few years ago with Papago, reenergizing it with better turf conditions —and it remains one of the best value courses in the area. In addition, the ASU teams’ practice facilities might be the coolest among any college team—they are a must-see.

Of course, if your budget accommodates a round or two at Scottsdale’s top public courses, the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale, both courses at We-Ko-Pa, Troon North and Grayhawk are all outstanding options. They don’t exactly fit as “budget options” but are must-plays, if feasible.

RELATED: The best courses in Arizona

Palm Springs

For decades golfers have escaped to Palm Springs for a seemingly endless amount of golf—with a different course on every corner. The only question is, where to play?

For lodging, an easy option is the Hilton Garden Inn Palm Springs/Rancho Mirage , which is centrally located to some of the best courses in the area. It’s also conveniently located right in the Coachella Valley, right next to the The River, a premier shopping, dining and entertainment destination. Of course, PGA West, La Quinta, Mission Hills and Indian Wells are all on people’s radars for Palm Springs options … but here are some affordable options to consider.

SilverRock Golf Resort co-hosted the PGA Tour’s Bob Hope Classic for four years starting in 2008 after it opened 2005. Set in the Santa Rosa Mountains, it can still be found in tour-level condition. This Arnold Palmer design (above) features incredible mountain vistas, tight fairways, fast greens and challenging but beautiful water hazards. Particularly for competitive golfers, this is a great test.

One of the most underrated courses in the desert is the Firecliff course at Desert Willow (above). Dr. Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry designed 36 holes (including the Mountain course) on this flat desert floor in the Coachella Valley and moved enough earth to create some interesting holes that frame the surrounding mountains. Playability for all handicap ranges is strong, but even for the better players, the Firecliff course is an intriguing and fair test.

The Classic Club is another Arnold Palmer design that has also hosted the Bob Hope Classic. As one would expect from a course that’s hosted a tour event, Classic Club  (above) boasts state-of-the-art practice facilities, including a clubhouse with a great restaurant. Famous for its elevated tee boxes which offer panoramic views of the Coachella Valley, this course is populated with more than 5,000 pine, pepper and olive trees, 30 acres of water features and 14 stone bridges.

Like we said, the abundance of golf in the desert is astounding. Woodhaven Country Club might get overshadowed based on its proximity to other really good courses (there are FIVE other courses consecutively on the same block, all next to each other). But for an affordable price tag compared to others in the area, you get the same pristine backdrops.

Another option with 36 holes set among the mountains is Tahquitz Creek . The Legend Course  (above) is the more forgiving of the two, tipping out at just over 6,800 yards. Wide fairways will help keep golfers in play, but elevated, undulating greens will only accept precise approach shots. The Resort Course  (below) is shorter, but players must contend with an island fairway, several water hazards and strategic bunkering and waste areas. The final three holes play across the Tahquitz Canyon—not quite the finish over the quarry holes at Merion, but spectacular nonetheless.

Any trip to Las Vegas can be expensive for a number of reasons. Just as a hypothetical, you’ve chosen to do most of your spending elsewhere but still want to hit the links. Our friends at Golfbreaks by PGA TOUR have identified the most budget-friendly golf courses worth booking.

The Luxor is one of the most iconic hotels on the strip, known for its pyramid shape. As one would expect from such a hotel, the Luxor has a casino, full-service spa, pool complex and a variety of restaurants.

Las Vegas National  (above), affectionately known by the locals as “The National,” is the scene of Tiger Woods’ first professional win. It’s also famous for being home in the 1960s to The Rat Pack; Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, Joey Bishop, and Sammy Davis Jr. were all avid golfers and frequently entertained guests with songs and stories in the clubhouse. The aptly named Rat Pack Bar & Grill is a great place to pay homage to all the greats that have come through over the years.

Brian Oar/Courtesy of GolfBreaks

A little farther outside the city, the Legacy Golf Club  (above) lends itself to a bit of peace and quiet away from the bustle of the strip. Designed by the late Arthur Hills, Legacy is a traditional desert golf course; target golf is the norm as a premium is placed on accuracy.

Open since 1996, Desert Pines Golf Club  (above) is just 15 minutes from the strip. Though it’s close in proximity, the pine-tree-lined fairways and white sand bunkers don’t exactly scream “Las Vegas.” It’s not a particularly long course, at just 6,222 yards from the back tees, but the par 71 tests a golfer with tight, narrow fairways and several water hazards.

Swing into Spring 2022 at These Southeastern Golf Destinations

There’s more to the Southeast than just college football. That’s right, before the overlapping SEC and ACC regions perennially produced America’s national champion seemingly every year, they were home to many of the best golf destinations in the U.S. As we round winter’s corner into the peak spring season, here’s a short-list of golf resorts across four states to consider visiting as the dogwoods and azaleas begin to bloom.

Innisbrook Golf Resort – Innisbrook’s Copperhead Course is a favorite among PGA TOUR pros, and it’s also one of the most challenging tracks on the pro circuit. This highly amenitized resort west of Tampa on the Gulf of Mexico houses four courses along with a variety of rooms, suites and vacation rentals that have been upgraded recently to offer a comfy extended stay for golf groups of all sizes.

PGA National Resort and Spa – Palm Beach County is a hotbed of golf, and it doesn’t get any hotter than PGA National Resort and Spa, home of the PGA TOUR’s Honda Classic. Five courses, including the Jack Nicklaus designed Champ, await golfers willing to test their mettle against this tournament-tested venue. The resort recently opened “The Staple,” an innovative short course designed by Andy Staple.

PGA Golf Club – The flagship public property of the PGA of America, PGA Golf Club is a 54-hole golf panacea with a world-class practice range, short game area and short course. Catch a bite to eat in the Taplow Pub and stay a few nights in the adjacent Perfect Drive Villas or neighboring Hilton Garden Inn. PGA Golf Club is a pure golf experience for those who prefer 36 holes a day, a beer and a bed.

Streamsong Resort – One of Florida’s newest golf resorts (10 years young this year) got even newer with the opening of its Gil Hanse-designed Black Course in 2018. Streamsong’s Red and Blue courses have also quickly moved atop the national rankings, and the Streamsong Lodge is the perfect place to kick back and relax, post round. And at the 2022 PGA Show, resort officials revealed that Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw have been commissioned to a non-traditional fourth course with holes ranging from 70 to 300 yards.

Paradise Coast – The quaint city of Naples and tropical atoll Marco Island in Southwest Florida – dubbed the “ Paradise Coast ” – are home to more golf courses per capita than just about anywhere in the world. Resorts like Tiburon Golf Club, The JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort and The Lely Resort Golf and Country Club offer a multi-course experience, and there are plenty of standalone options as well. For those who fall in love with the area, The Club at Olde Cypress beckons with a “life on vacation” lifestyle and the area’s only P.B. Dye design.

Reynolds Lake Oconee – Reynolds Lake Oconee is to Georgia as Pinehurst Resort is to North Carolina: a seemingly endless supply of golf in the form of six highly-ranked layouts designed by Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Rees Jones, Bob Cupp and Jim Engh. Nicklaus’ Great Waters headlines the collection, as it was recently renovated and restored to its original glory. Lodging ranges from cozy cottages to the luxurious Ritz-Carlton, Lake Oconee.

Sea Island Resort – While Georgia is known as the home of The Masters, the RSM Classic at Sea Island Resort is a PGA TOUR player and fan favorite. So much so, several pros make their home at this golf haven on Atlantic. The Seaside Course is a Tom Fazio redesign perched right on the ocean, the Plantation Course was recently renovated by natives Davis and Mark Love, who also recast the Retreat Course in 2001. Diehard golfers gravitate to The Lodge with its ocean view and “walk-to” access to the Seaside and Plantation courses. Dinner in the Oak Room is a must, with its rich mahogany veneer and formidable wine, beer and spirts menu, as is a post-round libation in the famed Men’s Locker Room.

North Carolina

Grandover Resort – Golfers need only veer off I-85 in Greensboro to access this 36-hole collection designed by Gary Panks. A full-service onsite hotel offers all the accouterments, from casual and fine dining to a spa and fitness center. Grandover’s combo of convenience and quality is hard to beat, and for an extended golf swing, the North Carolina Sandhills is only an hour’s drive south.

Pinehurst Resort – Nine 18-hole courses, including the famed No. 2 U.S., make Pinehurst Resort the largest golf resort in the U.S. and a must-visit for any serious golfer. In addition to its lineup of regulation tracks, Pinehurst is home to a nine-hole short course designed by Gil Hanse, The Cradle, and Thistle Dhu, a 75,000 square-foot putting course. Golfers can choose from three hotels, including the recently renovated Manor Inn, just a short walk to the new Pinehurst Brewing Co. And renovations are underway at The Carolina Hotel, Pinehurst’s historic crown jewel.

Rumbling Bald – Spring in Western North Carolina means mountain golf and Rumbling Bald along scenic Lake Lure obliges with two 18-hole tracks, Apple Valley and Bald Mountain, designed by W.B. Lewis and Dan Maples. Apple Valley is this golf retreat’s premier offering, playing to 6,800 yards and featuring new Champion Bermuda greens. Spacious vacation rentals are available for stay-and-plays, and the lake offers endless off-course activities. For golfers who visit and don’t want to leave, nearby Champion Hills in Hendersonville offers a Tom Fazio-designed mountain masterpiece and a variety of membership types to suit any lifestyle. The course is ranked 51st in Golfweek’s “Top 200 Residential Courses in the U.S.” and is considered one of Fazio’s seminal Western N.C. designs. 

South Carolina

Cherokee Valley Course and Club – Upstate South Carolina’s premier golf destination, Cherokee Valley is home to a P.B. Dye mountain-style layout, on-site cottages and a brand-new casual dining restaurant, Core 450, that has garnered rave reviews from Greenville area foodies. Get your game ready at one of South Carolina’s most expansive practice facilities, which is also home to neighboring North Greenville University.

Fripp Island Golf and Beach Resort – “Fripp” as South Carolinians refer to it, flies just under the radar of the national golf cognoscenti, just how Palmetto State golfers like it. Home to two courses, Ocean Point and Ocean Creek, Fripp Island Golf and Beach Resort is situated on the most seaward of South Carolina’s Sea Islands 18 miles east of historic Beaufort, where novelist Pat Conroy spent his summers. The resort offers seasonal golf packages that include golf rounds, practice balls and lodging in a Fripp Island vacation rental.

Kiawah Island Golf Resort – For golfers who want to play where the pros play this year, Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s Ocean Course is hosting the 2020 PGA Championship in May. If Pete Dye’s diabolic oceanside layout it too tough to tackle, four other 18-hole courses adorn this majestic barrier island near Charleston. Catch a good night’s rest at the Sanctuary at Kiawah, a AAA Five Diamond hotel.

Myrtle Beach – While it’s not a resort, per se, the Grand Strand one of the world’s most iconic golf destinations. Accommodation options are limitless, and lineup cards can be filled with vaunted venues like Tidewater Golf Club , Grande Dunes Resort Course, King’s North at Myrtle Beach National, Caledonia Golf and Fish Club.

Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort – Hilton Head is known as “ Golf Island,” and the three brawny layouts at Palmetto Dunes are a big reason for that moniker. The Robert Trent Jones features one of the island’s only oceanfront holes, and the George Fazio and Arthur Hills courses round out the bill. Golf groups love the popular “Birdies and Beer Getaway” and the resort’s comfy vacation rentals.

Sea Pines Resort – Settled along Hilton Head Island’s south end, The Sea Pines Resort is home of the PGA TOUR’s RBC Heritage tournament and famed Harbour Town Golf Links. Two other championship caliber tracks reside inside the gates, Heron Point by Pete Dye and Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III. The Inn and Club at Harbor Town is just a pitching wedge from the clubhouse and the famed Yacht Basin is a short jaunt away.

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Hilton Head Island

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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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Talamore Golf Resort offers the most unique golf vacation experience in the historic Village of Pinehurst area. 84% of our customers come back year-after-year because of everything offered for a group golf vacation. Our guests are family and you will be no different.  As a member of the Talamore family you will enjoy the following…

• 36 holes of award-winning golf by Rees Jones & Arnold Palmer on property
• Access to 30+ of the Pinehurst area’s other courses
• Exquisite on-course Talamore Golf Villas and Mid South Lodges
• Daily breakfast delivered right to your door
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Custom Trips & Seasonal Golf Packages

Our golf trip professionals specialize in customizing the perfect trip for groups big and small, and everything in between.  We also offer many seasonal golf packages for both weekday and weekend travel. Here are just a few of those packages to get your wheels turning…

Legends Golf Package

Starting at $301 Per Person

Midland Road Masters at Our Golf Cottage

Starting at $533 Per Person

Midland Road Masters Package

Starting at $549 Per Person

Royal Golf Package

Starting at $352 Per Person

Signature Golf Package

Starting at $311 Per Person

Signature Package at Our Golf Cottage

Starting at $340 Per Person

St. Andrews Golf Package

Starting at $297 Per Person

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Want to size things up before you speak to one of our resident golf travel experts? Our trip planning and quoting tool will help you quickly build your dream vacation complete with pricing.  Go ahead…give it a try!

Looking for Additional Trip Ideas?

Check out our Llama Pen Blog below for helpful planning tips, to activities away from the course and more!

Best 19th Holes in the Sandhills

Excitement Coming to the Pinehurst Area

Golf Accommodations Ideal for Groups Big or Small

History of the Talamore Llamas

How to beat the heat for a summer golf trip to talamore.

Teeing Off on a Shoestring: The Pinehurst Area’s Most Affordable Golfing Adventures

The Best Par-3s in the Sandhills

The Best Par-5s in the Sandhills

The Ultimate Fall Golf Trip Itinerary

The Village of Pinehurst Area: Home to the Nation’s Best Golf Trip

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Best golf resorts for buddies: GOLF’s Top 100 Resorts 2019

Some resorts, bless them, are all about golf, golf, golf. They celebrate and share in our passion for the game, offering immersion therapy with multiple courses to play 18, 36, or until you just can’t see the ball anymore. They’re where we hardcore types indulge with like-minded friends, and when our daily golf bender is done, all we want, and get, is on-point efficiency and comfort (and maybe some craft beer) before we get back after it tomorrow.

Without further ado, here are GOLF’s 25 best resorts for Buddies. (For our ranking methodology, scroll to the bottom of this article.)

MORE:   Top 25 Resorts for Luxury   |  Top 25 Resorts for General Excellence   |  Top 25 Resorts for Families

1. Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Bandon, Ore.

186 rooms, with options that include four-bedroom cottages / six golf courses / six restaurants and bars

Best time to go: Year-round; prioritize the period from late spring to mid-fall, when temps run higher and rain is less frequent.

Daily stay-and-plays start at: Varies wildly, due to replay rates, season and lodging options. Contact the resort.

Golf experience: Four courses, all ranked in GOLF’s Top 100, plus a 13-hole par-3 course, a 100,000-square-foot putting green, and a soon-to-open fifth 18-hole course, Sheep Ranch.

Best non-golf amenity: Beautiful walking trails are scattered around the property. For those who’d rather drink, there’s the Bunker Bar, which keeps the lights on until the wee morning hours.

Insider tip: First, take a caddie. Second, play more than 18 holes per day, if you can — the second round is always half off, and the third round of the day is on the house.

Travelogue: When Bandon Dunes opened in 1999, it was unlike anything golfers had experienced in America — the walking-only directive, the embrace of harsh coastal weather and rugged imperfections were a slap in the face to the cushy frameworks of traditional resorts. The remoteness of its central Oregon locale also raised eyebrows: would it succeed, let alone survive? It struck a chord in players’ hearts that very few knew existed. Twenty years and thousands of additional course acres later, Bandon Dunes is America’s single-greatest destination for golf-loving groups who want nothing more than to tee it up from dawn to dusk. What’s more, Bandon has inspired resorts around the world, both new and established, to rethink what it means to lure avid golfers. There are a variety of accommodations — anywhere from single-occupancy lodge rooms to four-bedroom cottages — that offer the necessary basics. And while a spa exists, it offers but two services. The spirit of the golf at Bandon, too, is rooted in basics, but don’t let that word fool you — the golf may be gritty and stripped-down at times, but the raw spirit and jaw-dropping views that envelop this place make you feel like the luckiest golfer alive. Also good for: General Excellence. Read more here.

bandondunesgolf.com / (855) 220-6710

2. Pinehurst Resort, Pinehurst, N.C.

350-plus rooms and condos / nine golf courses / eight restaurants / spa / lawn sports

Best time to go: The fall brings pleasant temperatures without the humidity.

Daily stay-and-plays start at: $450.

Golf experience: Nine courses. How can you beat that?

Best non-golf amenity: Croquet, the way it was meant to be played.

While you’re there: Visit the Ryder Cup Lounge and immerse yourself in golf’s rich history.

Insider tip: Play in the late afternoon — the tall pines and their shadows create an epic canvas.

Travelogue: It’s accepted that St. Andrews is the “Home of Golf.” If that’s the case, the home of American golf is Pinehurst. For some, a trip to the Sandhills is like leaving home for college — golf college. Everything you’d want — all nine(!) courses, housing, dining — is elaborately placed around weaving roads and paths on a sprawling campus, pine straw bordering every turn. The quad in this analogy is just as delightful as your alma mater’s grassy space. It’s made up of an 18-hole putting course named Thistle Dhu that abuts a 9-hole short course named The Cradle, with a grassy perch filled with lawn chairs overlooking it all. A true Pinehurst Day involves all of them — say, 18 on Gil Hanse’s wide-open redesign of No. 4, a wedges-only loop on the short course and settling bets on the putting course. To complete the syllabus, pop in for a pint in the Ryder Cup Lounge or the new Pinehurst Brewing Co. Or, if you made birdie on any of No. 2’s par threes, a free beverage awaits in its 19th hole, the Deuce. Congratulations, graduate. Also good for: General Excellence. Read more here.

pinehurst.com / (855) 235-8507

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3. Cabot Links, Inverness, Nova Scotia, Canada

72-room Cabot Lodge (plus 2- and 4-bedroom Golf Villas) / two golf courses / three restaurants

Best time to go: June through September.

Daily stay-and-plays start at: $255.

Golf experience: Two jaw-dropping layouts, Cabot Links, designed by Rod Whitman, and Cabot Cliffs, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. Ten-hole short course opening in 2020.

Best non-golf amenity: The Public House, featuring live music and local beers on tap, is a central gathering place for locals and guests alike.

While you’re there: Cabot’s adventure program offers a wide range of excursions, including fly fishing, whiskey-tasting tours, beach lobster boils and more.

Insider tip: Use Cabot’s transportation service for a seamless journey from Halifax airport.

Travelogue: When the Cabot Links course opened in 2012, it was hard to imagine a second act ever upstaging Canada’s first true links layout. Then Cabot Cliffs hit the scene, earning GOLF’s choice for Best New Course in 2015. It’s magical, towering over the Gulf of St. Lawrence while taking golfers on a wild ride through pine-studded highlands, valleys and Scottish-style dunes. Cabot Links is a Rod Whitman design built atop a 200-acre sandy strip discovered by resort co-founder Ben Cowan-Dewar — the parcel was meant to house a golf course since creation. Cabot Cliffs may edge out Cabot Links in the rankings, but debates linger (never rage — this is Canada) into the night at the resort’s Public House as to the proper pecking order. The key, here, is not to get hung up on the data, but to soak up the ephemeral experience. This is accomplished by sampling both courses, relaxing in an oceanfront golf villa and savoring fresh local halibut and Nova Scotia lobster at Panorama. Departing Cabot Links, a satisfying smile does set in knowing one has played one of the best four-hole closing stretches in the world. By all accounts, holes 15 through 18 on Cabot Cliffs are the closet thing the Eastern Seaboard has to Cypress Point. Hey, debates aside, what golfer doesn’t keep score? Also good for: General Excellence. Read more here.

cabotlinks.com / (855) 660-6243

4. Sand Valley Golf Resort Nekoosa, Wis.

65 rooms (lodge, cottages and cabins) / three golf courses / three restaurants / tennis

Daily stay-and-plays start at: $180.

Golf experience: Sand Valley and the Sandbox short course, both designed by Coore/Crenshaw; Mammoth Dunes, designed by David McLay Kidd.

Best non-golf amenity: The 15 grass tennis courts.

While you’re there: Wash down Sand Valley’s buffalo cheese curds with a bolt of Spotted Cow from Glarus Brewing.

Insider tip: Sand Valley’s 6-hole loop and the Sandbox (a par-3 course) offer twilight play.

Travelogue: Developer Mike Keiser already had Bandon Dunes and Cabot Links on his résumé when he opened Sand Valley’s doors in 2017, and it could be his greatest achievement. No ocean? No problem. Nearest major airport 2.5 hours away? They will come. Nekoosa? All good — the prehistoric sand dunes of central Wisconsin rise to the occasion. Sand Valley is beautiful and fair with shot values appealing to a broad swath of players. Mammoth Dunes, in contrast, defies the space-time continuum. Its scale is other-worldly, its shot-making demands relentless. You’ll welcome the respite of the resort’s 17-hole short course, which doubles as an architecture lesson with its Biarritz, Lion’s Mouth and Redan greens. A “beer canoe” helps wash away any of the day’s losses. Also good for: General Excellence. Read more here.

sandvalley.com / (888) 651-5539

5. The Resort at Diamante Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico

Estates, Villas, Casitas and Suites / three courses / three restaurants / spa / pool / fitness center

Best time to go: Late May/early June or early December.

Daily stay-and-plays start at: Contact the resort.

Golf experience: The Dunes, a seaside links designed by Davis Love III; El Cardonal, a resort layout by Tiger Woods (design debut); a TGR Design short course.

Best non-golf amenity: A 10-acre, man-made saltwater lagoon, perfect for sailing, swimming or hanging out in your own private cabana.

While you’re there: Satisfy your love of tamales and tequila at the Dunes course comfort stations.

Insider tip: Play Dunes first. It’s the centerpiece of the golfing experience and a layout ranked in the Top 100 in the world.

Travelogue: More than any new Cabo resort, Diamante best maintains the luxury and exclusivity of Cabo’s Hollywood-rich past. No expense is spared in this lavish, private enclave. The amenities are rich, but none can match the marvel that are Diamante’s two oceanside courses. Love’s Dunes course — a thoughtful links layout that meanders through massive dunes next to the Pacific — is the brains. Tiger’s El Cardonal is the beauty, with panoramic ocean views on almost every hole. On both, the mind boggles at how luxurious Cabo can be — and how a place like Diamante even exists. Also good for: Families. Read more here.

diamantecabosanlucas.com / (888) 975-9625

Arcadia Bluffs, Arcadia, Mich.

Best time to go: Summer for spectacular golf weather and views. Daily stay-and-plays start at: $365. Golf experience: The best-in-class Bluffs course overlooks Lake Michigan; the idyllic South course. Best non-golf amenity: Great Lake Michigan views and food from the dining room, open for three meals a day. While you’re there: Do your research. There are dozens of great courses in the area if you’re looking for multiple rounds and locations. Insider tip: The Cottages, which line the 2nd hole of the Bluffs course, include a private putting green for post-round money matches. Also good for: General Excellence. Read more here.

arcadiabluffs.com / (800) 494-8666

Barefoot Resort and Golf, N. Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Best time to go: March-May, September-November. Daily stay-and-plays start at: $100. Golf experience: A solid foursome: Pete Dye, Tom Fazio, Greg Norman and Davis Love III. Best non-golf amenity: Barefoot Landing, a maze of boardwalks, shops and restaurants just three minutes away. While you’re there: Warm-up on the 30-acre practice facility. Insider tip: Barefoot offers multi-round packages with discounts for those booking 90 days or more in advance. Also good for: Families. Read more here.

barefootgolf.com / (866) 638-4818

Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa, Austin, Texas

Best time to go: Spring and fall are the most popular for golf. Daily stay-and-plays start at: Approx. $500. Golf experience: An embarrassment of riches: two courses by Tom Fazio, one by Ben Crenshaw, one off-site by Arnold Palmer. Best non-golf amenity: The new multi-floor Mokara Spa with views of the Texas Hill Country. While you’re there: A visit to 6th Street — the live music capital of Texas — is a must. And don’t miss the nightly bats flying out from the Congress Ave. bridge. Insider tip: If you make it to nearby Texas BBQ shrine Salt Lick, it’s cash only, no exceptions. Also good for: Families. Read more here.

omnihotels.com / (512) 329-4000

Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa, Birmingham, Ala.

Best time to visit: Spring and fall are best for golf and outdoor activities. Daily stay-and-plays start at: $174. Golf experience: Ross Bridge Golf Course, part of the Robert Trent Jones Trail, is on site. Best non-golf amenity: The Spa at Ross Bridge is a good place to get over a busy day, and the 24-hour fitness center allows you to burn off some excess energy whenever the mood hits. While you’re there: There’s plenty to see and do in Birmingham, including the moving Civil Rights Museum. It’s a great activity for a non-golf break or rainy afternoon. Insider tip: The Ross Bridge Resort is close enough to famous Dreamland BBQ to swing by or call in for a quick plate of ribs, sauce and bread. Also good for: Families. Read more here.

marriott.com / (205) 916-7677

Boyne Golf, Boyne, Mich.

Best time to visit: Summer and early fall for golf; winter for skiing. Daily stay-and-plays start at: $455. Golf experience: Ten golf courses in the Boyne area spread around three resorts. Best non-golf Amenity: There’s plenty of prime fishing in the summer. While you’re there: Check out the quaint downtowns and festivals that take place annually in the Boyne area. Saltwater taffy and ice cream are summer staples. Insider tip: Don’t say you’re in the “Upper Peninsula” or you’ll be quickly corrected. You’re in Northern Michigan, not the UP. Also good for: Families. Read more here.

boynegolf.com / (855) 688-3286

Caledonia/True Blue Plantation, Pawleys Island, S.C.

Best time to go: Spring and fall, when temperatures are ideal and course conditions are pure. Daily stay-and-plays start at: $100. Golf experience: A pair of engaging layouts by the late, great architect Mike Strantz. Best non-golf amenity: Caledonia’s fish shed, a comfortable venue where private catering can be arranged. While you’re there: Pause at the turn at Caledonia for a bowl of complimentary fish soup, which simmers in a large pot at a comfort station beside the 10th tee. Insider tip: Fishing charters can be booked from Caledonia for outings onto the Waccamaw River. Also good for: Families. Read more here.

caledoniagolfandfishclub.com / (800) 483-6800

Erin Hills, Erin, Wis.

Best time to go: Summer is the perfect time for Wisconsin golf. Daily stay-and-plays start at: $460. Golf experience: Re-create your own Brooks Koepka moment at the 2017 U.S. Open host course. Best non-golf amenity: Irish Pub & Terrace. While you’re there: Get cozy with the caddies in the caddie barn — you won’t forget it. Insider tip: Overnight guests get access to the 5-hole Kettle Loop. Read more here.

erinhills.com / (866) 772-4769

Forest Dunes, Roscommon, Mich.

Best time to go: The ideal golf experience here is summer to early fall. Daily stay-and-plays start at: $255. Golf experience: Forest Dunes golf course opened in 2002 to rave reviews; The Loop is one of only two totally reversible layouts in the U.S. Best non-golf amenity : A 45-minute on-site casting class to learn how to properly mine the local fishing lakes. While you’re there: Schedule a full- or half-day float trip on the North or South Branch of the AuSable River. Insider tip: Electric golf carts are now allowed on the reversible Loop course. Also good for: Families. Read more here.

forestdunesgolf.com / (989) 275-0700

Gamble Sands, Brewster, Wash.

Best time to go: Summer months are longest and warmest — you’ll want to play as much golf as you can on the incredible David McLay Kidd-designed track. Daily stay-and-plays start at: $149. Golf experience: The Sands Course, a links-style stunner, with sandy soil, fine fescue grasses, firm playing surfaces, wide fairways and massive greens. Best non-golf amenity: The Danny Boy Bar & Grill and the 100,000-square-foot Cascade putting course. We know — it’s not a non-golf amenity. But golf is why you come to Gamble Sands. While you’re there: The spectacular Columbia River is close by, as is one of the most popular escapes for Seattle urbanites: Lake Chelan and Chelan Falls. Insider tip: Shots can fly two clubs further due to the thin, desert air. Read more here.

gamblesands.com / (509) 436-8323

Innisbrook, A Salamander Resort, Palm Harbor, Fla.

Best time to go: Winter months for temps in the 70s and 80s, but shoulder season is also ideal (less crowded and cheaper). Daily stay-and-plays start at: $189. Golf experience: PGA Tour host Copperhead course; Island, North and South courses. Best non-golf amenity: The Salamander Spa, with 12 treatment rooms featuring the Golfers Muscle Melting Massage. While you’re there: Sip a cocktail around the firepits outside Market Salamander Grille and Bar. Insider tip: Make reservations at Packard’s Steakhouse, or you may end up eating at the bar. Also good for: Families. Read more here.

innisbrookgolfresort.com / (888) 794-8627

Pine Needles Lodge/Mid Pines Inn, Southern Pines, N.C.

Best time to go: Summer months can be muggy, but it’s also when you’ll find the best deals. Spring — and particularly the fall — is when you’re likely to encounter some incredible scenery and weather. Daily stay-and-plays start at: $135. Golf experience: Pine Needles and Mid Pines (they’re across the street from one another) boast 18-hole Donald Ross gems. Best non-golf amenity: Both resorts are heavily golf-centric, but a favorite hang off the courses is the In-The-Rough Lounge at Pine Needles. While you’re there: We’re not suggesting you leave, but it’s worth mentioning the formidable Pinehurst Resort and its nine courses are but a few miles away. Insider tip: Play the slightly easier Pine Needles first, then Mid Pines in the afternoon. Also good for: General Excellence. Read more here.

pineneedleslodge.com / (800) 747-7272 (PN) / (800) 323.2114 (MP)

The Prairie Club, Valentine, Neb.

Best time to go: September. There’s a little less wind and the courses play firmer and faster. Daily stay-and-plays start at: $459 (includes unlimited golf, cart, lodging and breakfast). Golf experience: 36 holes of outrageous golf in Nebraska’s beautiful but remote Sandhills region. Best non-golf amenity: Load up a cooler and take a leisurely five-hour float down the Niobrara River. While you’re there: Take on the Old Wagon putting course, a funky layout with giant slopes overlooking the Snake River Canyon. A club shuttle drops you off and picks you up. Insider tip: There are no replay fees, which means, in summer, there’s enough light to comfortably play up to 72 holes at no extra cost. Oh, and at dinner in the main lodge, don’t ask for the specials. Get the steak. This is cattle country. Also good for: General Excellence. Read more here.

theprairieclub.com / (888) 402-1101

Pursell Farms, Sylacauga, Ala.

Best time to visit: Spring and fall are the best time for golf and outdoor activities. Daily stay-and-plays start at: $255. Golf experience: A clever Hurdzan-Fry design on a former family farm. Best non-golf amenity: Who doesn’t want to embrace their inner country roots with a visit to the gun range? While you’re there: If you come in the fall, play a full 18 at Pursell then take resort transportation to nearby Auburn University to see the Tigers play before 85,000 rabid fans. Insider tip: The resort is the family homestead of David and Ellen Pursell. If you ask nice enough, they might give you a personal home tour or an Orvis fishing or shooting trip. Also good for: Families. Read more here.

pursellfarms.com / (877) 292-3276

Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.

Best time to go: For best course conditions, tee it up in late March and early April (right after The Players Championship); lowest rates can be found during the sticky summer months. Daily stay-and-plays start at: $575. Golf experience: Play where the pros play at TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course, but don’t overlook the adjacent Valley Course, also by Pete Dye. Best non-golf amenity: The 20,000-square-foot spa. While you’re there: The World Golf Hall of Fame is just 30 minutes south in St. Augustine. Insider tip: Guests have the exclusive opportunity to book a tee time up to a year in advance at TPC Sawgrass. Also good for: General Excellence. Read more here.

marriott.com / (904) 285-7777

Streamsong Resort, Bowling Green, Fla.

Best time to go: Fall and spring (summer temperatures reach the 90s consistently). Daily stay-and-plays start at: $500. Golf experience: Three Top-100 rated courses, designed by Tom Doak (the Blue), Coore/Crenshaw (the Red) and Gil Hanse (the Black). Best non-golf amenity: Guided bass fishing. While you’re there: Try your hand at archery, a sport you just don’t find everywhere. Insider tip: Order the grouper sandwich from Restaurant Fifty-Nine. Also good for: General Excellence. Read more here.

streamsongresort.com / (888) 294-6322

Sunriver Resort, Sunriver, Ore.

Best time to go: Summer months are the heyday at Sunriver and the best time to go with long days and plenty of sunshine. Daily stay-and-plays start at: $179. Golf experience: Four spectacular courses, including the venerable Crosswater, the pristine Meadows course, the testy Woodlands course and the family friendly, 9-hole Caldera Links. Best non-golf amenity: Rafting, canoeing, kayaking or paddle boarding on the majestic Deschutes River. While you’re there: Drive 20 minutes from Sunriver to discover Paulina Falls, a double waterfall that drops 80 feet over volcanic cliffs onto a jumble of rocks. The falls are surrounded by towering conifers, just west of Paulina Lake and the Newberry Caldera. It’s breathtaking. Insider tip: Downtown Bend frequently hosts summer music and beer festivals — plan your trip accordingly and you can catch some phenomenal talent passing through. Also good for: General Excellence. Read more here.

destinationhotels.com / (855) 420-8206

Talking Stick, Scottsdale, Ariz.

Best time to go: Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, when the weather is good and rates are lower than the peak season of January through March. Daily stay-and-plays start at: $176. Golf experience: 36 holes at Talking Stick Golf Club were designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. Best non-golf amenity: Fine dining and killer sunset views at Orange Sky on the resort’s 15th floor. While you’re there: Salt River Fields at Talking Stick hosts spring training for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies, a short drive from resort. Insider tip: One of the world’s most popular TopGolf locations is within walking distance; mention you’re staying at the resort for potential special offers. Also good for: General Excellence. Read more here.

talkingstickresort.com / (480) 850-7777

Trump National Doral Miami, Miami, Fla.

Best time to go: Year-round, but the weather in winter is often fabulous, especially considering what the rest of the country is enduring at that time. Daily stay-and-plays start at: $255. Golf experience: Four courses, including the famed Blue Monster, a former PGA Tour stop and one of the toughest and most exciting courses in Florida. If the Sunshine State were to host a U.S. Open, it’d be on the Blue. Best non-golf amenity: The American Wagyu ribeye or a 28-day dry-aged Porterhouse steak, both served at BLT Prime overlooking the Blue Monster. While you’re there: Pamper yourself with up to 100 different spa offerings at the Trump Spa, and spend some time to relax at the Royal Palm Pool oasis. Insider tip: Trump National Doral Miami offers memberships, including a full-golf membership that allows unlimited access to all courses at the resort. Also good for: General Excellence. Read more here.

trumphotels.com / (800) 713 6725

Turning Stone Resort & Casino, Verona, N.Y.

Best time to go: Turning Stone is a four-season resort, but we love central New York in September-October, when summer turns to fall and the leaves turn with it. Daily stay-and-plays start at: $362. Golf experience: Turning Stone boasts some of the best public golf in the Northeast, and is regularly featured among GOLF’s Top 100 Courses You Can Play. Best non-golf amenity: The casino and surrounding shows and nightlife have so much to offer you don’t need to touch a single chip to get your money’s worth. While you’re there: Settle in and enjoy! This is a destination resort — there’s more than enough to do on the sprawling property. Insider tip: Save some time for Sandstone Hollow, Turning Stone’s nine-hole par-3 course, which winds through woods, wetlands and wild fescue. Also good for: Families. Read more here.

turningstone.com / (800) 771-7711

Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa / TPC Danzante Bay, Loreto, B.C.S., Mexico

Best time to go: November to May; it’s a little cooler and best time to catch whales passing by in the Gulf of California. Daily stay-and-plays start at: $298. Golf experience: Imagine Sedona, Ariz., crashing into the sea — that’s TPC Danzante Bay. Although architect Rees Jones is better known as a U.S. Open course renovator than as a creator of singular golf holes, he certainly achieved the latter here at No. 17, where he built one of the world’s most stunning par 3s. The downhill tee shot to a sliver of green placed on top of a rocky peninsula hovering above the Sea of Cortez is unforgettable. Best non-golf amenity: Get on a boat and explore the Bay of Loreto National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. While you’re there: There’s a hidden disco on the property (in a yurt, no less) open on weekends only. Insider tip: Check the Alaska Air flight schedule from LAX to Loreto; it’s the only way to get here directly from the states. Also good for: Families. Read more here.

villadelpalmar.com / (800) 790-4187

How we ranked them

In one of the biggest editorial projects GOLF has ever attempted, we culled the names of 243 rank-worthy resorts spread across North America. Under the expert guidance of resort industry veterans and our stable of well-heeled travel writers, we placed each resort into at least one of four experience categories: Luxury, Buddies, General Excellence and Families. Then, with the help of 3,700-plus golfers just like you, we conducted an online poll, asking GOLF.com readers to rate each resort based on five key variables: golf experience, accommodations, service, food and ambience. The results of this poll were then weighed against the opinions of a select group of GOLF’s Top 100 Courses panelists and those of internal travel and editorial teams to list destinations in each category (Nos. 1–5, then alphabetically), generating GOLF’s first-ever ranking of the Top 100 Resorts. Yep — we’re in need of a vacation, too.

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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