Last updated November 4, 2026
Snapshot
- A golf vacation centers on playing new courses, and knowing how to plan a golf vacation comes down to picking the right destination and budget.
- Boulders Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers two Jay Morrish-designed desert courses framed by ancient boulder formations, and Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa in Florida plays six holes of its Jack Nicklaus Signature Ocean Course along the Atlantic.
- Hilton Head Island in South Carolina has more than 20 championship courses by designers like Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus, and Gleneagles in Scotland is famous for its King’s Course, which opened in 1919.
- Traveling in the low season can put prestigious courses within reach of a smaller budget, so plan for greens fees and lodging before you go.
- Pack collared shirts and neutral-colored shorts or slacks, since most courses don’t allow denim, and check each resort’s dress code before you arrive.
- A play & stay golf package bundles accommodations with tee times, which takes the hassle out of booking.
Seasoned golfers and first-timers alike can get more out of the game on the road. Get ready to tee off with everything you need to know about planning a golf vacation, plus a little booking help from Vacayou.
Playing the same course day in, day out won’t do much for your game. A golf vacation breaks up the routine and offers a fresh way to spice up your swing. And it doesn’t have to break the bank.
Many resorts offer packages for every budget, even on award-winning championship courses. Golf packages take the hassle out of booking greens and tee times. Read on for everything you need to plan your own golf vacation.
Choosing the Perfect Golf Destination
Outstanding golf destinations dot the globe, and no two play quite the same. Think ocean views from the tee box, or fairways lined with cacti. Many golf resorts also offer spa services and a range of other activities.
So, review the resort’s amenities before booking. Thorough research and guest reviews can also help you make an informed decision. To help you plan your upcoming golf vacation, here are some of the best golf courses to choose from.
1. Scottsdale, Arizona
Located in the Sonoran Desert, about 30 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Boulders Resort & Spa feels a world away, surrounded by untouched desert landscape. Guests can choose between private casitas and villas, all fully furnished and well equipped.
Between rounds, guests can unwind at the spa or cool off in one of the pools, and tennis courts and several restaurants round out the amenities. The Boulders’ two award-winning Jay Morrish-designed courses, the North Course and the South Course, are desert-style layouts with sweeping views of ancient boulder formations. Either course makes for a rewarding round.
2. Hammock Beach, Florida
A round of golf followed by a walk on the beach is hard to beat, and Hammock Beach offers both in one stay. The upscale resort lies along the Atlantic Coast, 23 miles from St. Augustine and 33 miles from Daytona Beach.
Guests can choose from a range of dining options and spa services, along with a fitness center and waterpark. The real stars, though, are the two championship golf courses. The Ocean Course, a Jack Nicklaus Signature design, has six holes overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and delivers oceanfront golf at its finest. Tom Watson designed the contrasting Conservatory Course, known for its picturesque island green.
3. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Ninety-five miles southwest of Charleston, Hilton Head Island combines Southern hospitality with delightful weather, and active travelers flock to the island for its golf.
The island counts more than 20 championship golf courses, so passionate golfers can play a different course nearly every day. World-famous architects like Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus designed many of its private and public courses, and oceanfront and parkland layouts alike welcome golfers of every skill level.
Guests staying at Hilton Head Health can sign up for clinics and private lessons at Shipyard Golf Club.
4. Scotland
Golfers craving adventure abroad will find one of Scotland’s loveliest settings in Perthshire. Just an hour from both Glasgow and Edinburgh, Gleneagles Hotel has welcomed guests for more than a century and prides itself on exquisite cuisine and an excellent spa, not to mention a lineup of thrilling sports.
Golf is the heart of this sporting estate, renowned for its three championship courses. The King’s Course, perhaps its most famous jewel, opened in 1919 and is widely considered one of the world’s best moorland courses, with holes that flow naturally into the landscape.
The Queen’s Course ranks among the UK’s finest par-68 heathland layouts, and the Jack Nicklaus-designed Centenary Course completes the trio. The setting’s beauty draws some of the world’s finest players and first-timers alike, making Gleneagles an exceptional golf destination.
Establishing a Budget for Your Golf Vacation
Budget is another essential factor in planning your golf vacation. Visit a popular destination in the low season, and prestigious courses often cost far less than they do at peak times.
Fun doesn’t require a big bankroll, but a budget for the essentials helps. Plan for green fees, travel costs, plus lodging and meals. Leave a little wiggle room for activities and entertainment. Hidden fees can pop up, so do your due diligence beforehand.
Packing for Your Golf Trip
The rules usually don’t change between public and private golf courses. Clothing and accessories are another story, and most courses have a few recommendations. Check each resort’s dress code before you go, and keep these packing basics in mind:
- Waterproof footwear. Perfect for rainy days on wet grass, with soft spikes for an improved swing
- A short-sleeved or long-sleeved collared polo shirt
- Denim pants are not acceptable; shorts or slacks with belt loops are appropriate for men, and shorts or skirts for women
- Brightly-colored clothing can be disturbing due to sunlight; select more neutral colors, such as gray, beige, tan, cream or khaki
Remember to pack enough golf clubs and balls. Professional golfers typically carry around 14 clubs, but 8 or 10 should be enough for regular golfers. If you need a new club, you can always order online or rent it at the golf resort.
Exploring Available Tour Packages
Booking a golf package is the easiest way to plan a stress-free golf vacation. Golf travel planners know the courses and resorts inside and out. That insider knowledge helps you score great deals on the kinds of courses you want to play.
Once you’ve booked, pack your clubs and round up your favorite golf partners. From there, the trip mostly takes care of itself. A well-planned package handles the details, from transportation and accommodations to entertainment recommendations. Start by deciding what kind of trip you want, whether that’s a relaxed weekend of resort golf or a bucket-list tour of championship courses.
Tee Time Q&A
When is the best time to take a golf vacation?
The answer depends on the destination. Arizona and Florida shine from fall through spring, when the weather is warm but not scorching, and Scotland’s prime golf season falls in late spring and summer.
How many clubs should you bring on a golf vacation?
The Rules of Golf allow up to 14 clubs, but 8 to 10 is plenty for most casual golfers. Many resorts rent quality sets, which saves you from hauling a bag through the airport.
