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Best golf destinations in North America

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Hilton Head Island
Beaches, Bikes and Southern Charm
7.6
Relaxed and green, this barrier island in South Carolina has live oak trees, bike paths and long beaches. Harbour Town Golf Links, designed by Pete Dye with Jack Nicklaus, hosts the RBC Heritage each spring. Its red and white lighthouse is a well known landmark. Many resort courses are open to visitors.
Highlights:
  • ⛳ Play a round at Harbour Town Golf Links
  • 🚴‍♀️ Cycle the island’s scenic trails through oak and marsh landscapes
  • 🏖️ Relax on the pristine beaches of Coligny Beach Park
Scottsdale (Arizona)
Desert luxury meets Western charm
8.0
October to May is the main golf season, with sunny days and mild temperatures. Summer is very hot, so rounds start early and rates are lower. Resort courses such as Troon North and TPC Scottsdale are set among saguaro cacti and rocky desert hills. Many resorts also have spas and pools.
Highlights:
  • 🛍️ Explore the art galleries and boutiques in Old Town Scottsdale
  • 🎈 Ride a hot air balloon over the Sonoran Desert at sunrise
  • 🥾 Hike the scenic trails up Camelback Mountain
Kiawah Island
Wildlife, Beaches and Luxe Retreats
7.4
Five golf courses share this small barrier island near Charleston. The Ocean Course, designed by Pete Dye, lies along the Atlantic and hosted the Ryder Cup in 1991. It also hosted the PGA Championship in 2012 and 2021. Strong winds are common, which adds to the challenge.
Highlights:
  • 🚴‍♀️ Cycle along the peaceful island trails through maritime forests
  • 🌅 Watch sunset from the pristine Kiawah Beachwalker Park
  • ⛳ Play a round of golf at the Ocean Course
Myrtle Beach
Sun-soaked shores and endless entertainment
7.4
March to May and September to November are the busiest golf months, with mild temperatures and full tee sheets. Winter has lower rates. Many days are still pleasant for play. The Grand Strand, a long stretch of coast in South Carolina, has dozens of courses and many packages.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on golden sands and swim in the Atlantic waves
  • 🎡 Ride the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel for panoramic coastal scenery
  • 🌊 Stroll along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and enjoy ocean views
Palm Beach (Florida)
Sun‑kissed shores and vibrant nightlife
8.6
Compared with other golf areas in Florida, this upscale coast pairs luxury resorts with championship courses. PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens is known for the Bear Trap, three tough holes beside water. The Breakers resort has an Ocean Course dating back to the 1890s.
Highlights:
  • 🛍️ Shop luxury boutiques along Lincoln Road Mall
  • 🕰️ Explore Art Deco Historic District at sunset
  • 🏖️ Sunbathe on South Beach's turquoise shoreline
Palm Springs
Desert Modernism and Mountain Views
8.1
In the Coachella Valley of southern California, this desert city lies below the San Jacinto Mountains. More than 100 golf courses are found in the valley. PGA West and La Quinta have well known Pete Dye designs. Winter days are sunny and warm, while summer is very hot.
Highlights:
  • 💦 Relax in a natural hot spring at nearby Desert Hot Springs
  • 🏡 Admire mid-century modern homes on an architecture tour
  • 🚠 Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to Mount San Jacinto
Phoenix
Desert sun, art and adventure
6.9
Winter visitors helped golf grow in this Arizona desert city during the 20th century. The Phoenix Open has been played since 1932 and is known for a lively stadium hole. The Phoenix area now has more than 200 courses set among cacti and mountains. Winter days are mild, which suits long rounds.
Highlights:
  • 🏺 Discover cultures at the Heard Museum
  • 🌵 Explore the diverse Desert Botanical Garden trails
  • ⛰️ Hike Camelback Mountain for stunning city views
Cabo San Lucas
Arches, Beaches, Nightlife and Adventure
7.6
At the southern tip of Baja California, this resort area has desert hills that drop to the Pacific Ocean. Courses by Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio and Tiger Woods have fairways beside the water. Winter and spring days are warm and dry. Humpback whales can often be seen from the course between December and April.
Highlights:
  • 🏜️ Experience thrilling ATV tours through desert landscapes
  • 🏖️ Relax on vibrant Medano Beach and swim safely
  • ⛵ Explore the iconic El Arco rock formation by boat
Florida
Sunshine State, Endless Adventure
8.6
Golf arrived in Florida in the late 1800s, when winter resort hotels began to attract visitors from the north. Today the state has well over 1,000 courses. TPC Sawgrass near Jacksonville has the famous island green at the 17th hole. Winters are mild, so play is possible all year.
Highlights:
  • 🐊 Spot alligators on an airboat tour in the Everglades
  • 🏖️ Relax on the white sands of Miami Beach
  • 🎠 Experience the magic of Walt Disney World in Orlando
Punta Mita
Luxury paradise with perfect waves
7.7
Two Jack Nicklaus designed courses share this Pacific peninsula north of Puerto Vallarta. The Pacifico course has several holes on ocean cliffs. Its par 3 called Tail of the Whale is a natural island green reached by a short boat ride. Humpback whales are often seen offshore in winter.
Highlights:
  • ⛳ Play golf at world-class resorts with ocean views
  • 🛥️ Take a boat trip to the nearby Marietas Islands
  • 🏖️ Relax on the pristine beaches of Playa Punta Mita
North Carolina
Mountains, cities and coastal magic
7.5
Stay and play packages, which combine rooms and several rounds of golf, are common in this southern state. Courses range from coastal layouts near Wilmington to mountain courses in the Blue Ridge. The Sandhills region has many more around Pinehurst. Spring and autumn are especially pleasant for golf.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on the beaches of the Outer Banks
  • 🏰 Explore the historic Biltmore Estate in Asheville
  • 🚗 Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway and admire mountain vistas
Wisconsin
Four seasons of Midwestern charm
7.6
A Friday fish fry at a local supper club is a Wisconsin tradition that suits a golf weekend. Whistling Straits, a Pete Dye course beside Lake Michigan, hosted the Ryder Cup in 2021. Erin Hills hosted the US Open in 2017. Blackwolf Run is also in the Kohler area.
Highlights:
  • 🧀 Sample fresh cheese curds at a local creamery
  • 🌊 Relax beside Lake Michigan at Milwaukee’s waterfront parks
  • 🏍️ Tour the Harley-Davidson Museum and learn motorcycle history
Pinehurst
Coastal charm meets world‑class golf paradise
Golf is the centre of daily life in this historic village in the North Carolina Sandhills. Pinehurst No. 2, designed by Donald Ross, has hosted several US Opens, most recently in 2024. The resort has several more courses and a classic clubhouse. Walking the pine lined fairways is part of the experience.
Highlights:
  • 🌲 Walk Oak Grove Trail, enjoy serene forest scenery
  • 🎨 Visit the Pinehurst Art Center's contemporary exhibits
  • 🏌️‍♂️ Play a round at historic Pinehurst No.2 course
Pebble Beach
Coastal luxury with world‑class golf vistas
Unlike many famous courses, this one on California's Monterey Peninsula is open to the public, though green fees are high. Its holes run along cliffs above Carmel Bay. The US Open has been held here six times. Spyglass Hill and Spanish Bay are nearby courses.
Highlights:
  • 🌅 Enjoy sunset from Lone Cypress viewpoint
  • 🚗 Stroll the scenic 17-Mile Drive
  • ⛳ Play a round at Pebble Beach Golf Links
Bandon Dunes
Coastal dunes meet luxury seaside escape
On the southern coast of Oregon, this resort has several links style courses set among dunes above the Pacific Ocean. Walking is the norm. Caddies are available. Courses include Pacific Dunes, Old Macdonald and Bandon Trails. The nearest airport is in North Bend, about 25 miles away.
Highlights:
  • 🦞 Savor fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant
  • 🥾 Hike the scenic Pacific Coast Trail along cliffs
  • 🏖️ Explore Bandon Dunes State Park dunes and tide pools
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