TOP 10 BEST GOLF VACATIONS
After extensive research we’ve come up with the ten best destinations for a golf vacation in the United States. While there are many great golf courses not all locations make for a great golf trip. Excellent hotels and restaurants are an important part of any golf vacation. If the wife and kids are along then you also want a location where there are other area attractions/amenities. For each location we recommend whether the choice is best for an individual or family and the time of year when the weather is best for golf.
1. Phoenix/Scottsdale (Family/Individual - Fall, Winter, Spring)
If it’s winter the best place to defrost is in the desert. Especially if that desert is populated with deluxe, perfectly manicured golf courses such as The Boulders and Grayhawk. With more than 100 courses to choose from, you'll be sure to find a favorite. The beauty of sweeping desert vistas and the old west history make this an incredible choice for a golf vacation.
2. Monterey, Calif. (Family/Individual - 4 Seasons)
If the desert isn’t your first choice there’s a good chance you’ll love the Pacific Ocean. One of the most beautiful settings for a golf course is Pebble Beach. Also nearby are Spyglass Hill and The Links at Spanish Bay. San Francisco is located to the north and has a lot to offer for sightseeing.
3. Sheboygan, Wisconsin (Family/Individual - Summer)
OK, here is where I expose my east coast bias. But who knew that Sheboygan had some of the best golf courses in the world. While not as numerous as other locals the quality of golf is outstanding. They can boast two five star Pete Dye designed courses at Blackwolf Run and Whistling Straits. The American Club resort is located just outside Sheboygan in Kohler. This remarkable golf resort has four courses including Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run. If you live in the Midwest and love golf then this destination is a must. About two hours west of Sheboygan are the Wisconsin Dells, home of the most incredible indoor Water Parks on this planet.
4. Myrtle Beach, S.C. (Family/Individual - 4 Seasons)
More than 100 golf courses located in an area that includes some of best beaches anywhere. Thousands of hotel rooms, timeshares and condos make this is a great destination for the whole family. While not as upscale as Hilton Head, located a little further to the south, there are many activities for the whole family and very reasonable golf packages available.
5. Hilton Head Island, S.C. (Individual - 4 Seasons)
While not providing as many golf options as Myrtle Beach this is a more upscale choice along the South Carolina shore. Harbour Town or Palmetto Hall are great choices as well as the nearby Daufuskie Island Resort.
6. Pinehurst/Southern Pines, N.C. ( Individual - 4 Seasons)
I’m convinced that Golf is Pinehurst's only reason to exist. If you only consider the Pinehurst Resort there are eight courses to play. Other nearby golf courses ensure that you will never get bored. However, this location may not be as suitable for families since entertainment options are limited.
7. Palm Springs, Calif. (Individual - Fall, Winter, Spring)
Another great winter choice there are more than 100 courses in the Coachella Valley. While golf is great here if I’m going to the desert I prefer Las Vegas.
8. Las Vegas, Nv. (Family/Individual - Fall, Winter, Spring)
If I have to tell you about the things you can do in Las Vegas you need more help than I can provide. Aside from the obvious there is great golf at some of the strip resorts (Wynn is probably best) but even better golf at the Siena Golf Club and Bali Hai Golf Club. A 90-minute drive northeast from Las Vegas is the Palms Golf Club, Wolf Creek at Paradise Canyon and the Oasis Golf Club.
9. Hawaii (Family - 4 Seasons)
Lumping all the islands of Hawaii together may not do justice to this part of the world. First of all who doesn't’t want to go to Hawaii? I recommend you only go here if you are bringing your significant other. I guarantee that person will be pissed if you go alone.
Kauai is my first choice because of the unspoiled nature of this island. Options away from golf are natural beauty, water sports and romance (hence the don’t go alone advice) My #1 recommendation would be to stay at the Princeville Resort.
Maui has always been my favorite Hawaiian island because it provides the combination of both natural beauty and alternative activities. More commercial than Kauai it boasts the state's only 54-hole complexes in Wailea and Kapalua.
10. Williamsburg, Va. (Family - Spring, Summer, Fall)
Plenty of golf and the restoration of 1775 Colonial Williamsburg which is a must see for children in grade school. Nearby Busch gardens provides entertainment for the whole family while Golden Horseshoe and Kingsmill provide excellent golf.
11. Orlando, Florida (Family - Winter, Spring, Fall)
This city boasts some of the best public-access golf in the country. These include Grand Cypress and Orange County National. Even Disney World has golf. You won’t hear a single complaint from the family that they have nothing to do while you’re off playing golf. Many great golf packages are available for this locale. Ok I said 10 best and this is #11. But, who doesn't want to play golf with Mickey Mouse?
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