Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Finding the perfect place to tee it up can transform an ordinary vacation into an unforgettable golf experience. With over 15,000 courses spread across diverse landscapes, America offers golfers everything from desert masterpieces to coastal links, mountain resort courses to historic championship venues. Whether you’re chasing your personal best or simply looking to enjoy great golf with friends, choosing the right destination makes all the difference.
The undisputed champions of American golf
Florida remains America’s golf capital, boasting over 1,000 courses and 365 days of playable weather. TPC Sawgrass with its infamous island green, Streamsong Resort’s three championship layouts, and Bay Hill’s Palmer mystique represent just a fraction of the Sunshine State’s offerings. Orlando alone features 150+ courses, while Naples delivers luxury golf at its finest.
Arizona transforms desert landscapes into golf paradise, offering 300+ days of sunshine annually. Scottsdale serves as winter headquarters for serious golfers, with TPC Scottsdale’s raucous 16th hole, Troon North’s desert masterpiece, and We-Ko-Pa’s stunning Native American-influenced design leading an impressive roster of world-class facilities.
California delivers extraordinary diversity from Pebble Beach’s dramatic coastline to Palm Springs’ desert oases. The Golden State’s 900+ courses span everything from links-style layouts at Bandon Dunes to mountain resort courses in Lake Tahoe. Northern California showcases Monterey Peninsula’s legendary trio, while Southern California centers around year-round perfect weather and championship venues.
Hidden gems and regional powerhouses
North Carolina surprises many golfers with its depth and quality, centered around Pinehurst’s nine championship courses. The Village of Pinehurst has hosted more major championships than almost any other American destination, while the state’s 400+ courses range from Donald Ross classics to modern Outer Banks coastal layouts.
Texas embodies everything-bigger philosophy with 900+ courses across vast landscapes. Dallas-Fort Worth alone offers 200+ options, while destinations like Austin combine hill country beauty with championship golf. Colonial Country Club and TPC Four Seasons represent the Lone Star State’s tournament-caliber offerings.
| Destination | Total Courses | Peak Season | Signature Experience | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | 1,000+ | Dec-Mar | TPC Sawgrass island green | Year-round golf |
| Arizona | 300+ | Nov-Apr | Desert target golf | Winter escapes |
| California | 900+ | Year-round | Pebble Beach coastline | Diverse landscapes |
| North Carolina | 400+ | Apr-Oct | Pinehurst No. 2 | Golf heritage |
| South Carolina | 350+ | Mar-Nov | Kiawah Ocean Course | Lowcountry charm |
| Michigan | 650+ | May-Sep | Northern lake views | Summer paradise |
South Carolina creates magical Lowcountry experiences with Hilton Head’s 20+ championship courses and Myrtle Beach’s status as America’s public golf capital. Kiawah Island’s Ocean Course provides one of golf’s most challenging and scenic tests, while Charleston combines historic charm with excellent golf.
Seasonal considerations and timing
Understanding seasonal patterns dramatically impacts both experience quality and value. Desert destinations like Arizona and Palm Springs peak during winter months when northern golfers escape harsh weather. Expect premium pricing from December through April, but also ideal playing conditions with comfortable temperatures and minimal rainfall.
Northern destinations flip this equation, with Michigan, Colorado, and upstate New York delivering peak experiences during summer months. These areas offer spectacular golf when southern regions become uncomfortably hot, creating natural seasonal migration patterns among serious golf travelers.
Shoulder seasons often provide the best combination of weather and value. April-May and September-November in most destinations offer moderate temperatures, fewer crowds, and reduced pricing while maintaining excellent course conditions.
Mountain and high-altitude golf
Colorado provides unique high-altitude experiences where golf balls fly 10-15% farther than at sea level. Denver’s Mile High City sits at 5,280 feet, while mountain resort courses can exceed 8,000 feet elevation. The Broadmoor, Cherry Hills, and Vail Golf Club showcase how elevation changes create strategic challenges and spectacular scenery.
Northern destinations like Lake Tahoe combine mountain majesty with championship golf. Edgewood Tahoe recently claimed the top spot in national course rankings, while the region’s summer weather provides perfect conditions for high-elevation play.
Coastal and links-style experiences
America’s coastlines offer diverse golf experiences from Pacific Ocean drama to Atlantic charm. Monterey Peninsula remains golf’s holy grail with Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill, and Cypress Point creating legendary experiences. Oregon’s coast delivers authentic links golf at Bandon Dunes Resort, where four championship courses provide Scottish-inspired challenges.
East Coast destinations emphasize different coastal characteristics. The Carolinas blend Lowcountry charm with championship golf, while Virginia Beach and the Outer Banks offer more accessible coastal experiences. New England’s coastline provides historic charm with courses dating back over a century.
Resort vs daily-fee strategies
Resort golf provides comprehensive experiences with luxury accommodations, multiple courses, and full-service amenities. Destinations like Sea Island, Kiawah Island Golf Resort, and The Broadmoor offer complete golf vacations where everything is handled seamlessly. Expect premium pricing but also premium service and guaranteed tee times.
Daily-fee and municipal courses often deliver exceptional value while maintaining high quality standards. TPC courses, Bethpage State Park, and Torrey Pines prove that public golf can compete with exclusive private clubs. These options work particularly well for golfers who prefer flexibility in accommodations and dining.
Planning considerations
Advanced planning becomes increasingly critical as golf’s popularity continues growing. Premier destinations often require tee time reservations 12-18 months ahead, especially during peak seasons. Places like Bandon Dunes and Sand Valley are essentially sold out for current seasons and booking well into 2026.
Consider group dynamics when selecting destinations. Some locations excel for serious golfers seeking championship challenges, while others provide better experiences for mixed-ability groups or couples combining golf with other activities. Weather backup plans become essential, as even desert destinations occasionally experience unplayable conditions.
Equipment and travel logistics require attention for destination golf. Shipping clubs ahead eliminates airline hassles while ensuring familiar equipment for important rounds. Research local rental options, course dress codes, and transportation between venues to avoid last-minute complications.
When planning your next golf destination, remember that the perfect location combines quality golf with seamless logistics and memorable experiences beyond the course. At GolfTroop.com, we’ve spent over two decades curating America’s finest golf destinations and creating comprehensive packages that eliminate the guesswork from golf travel. From Arizona’s desert masterpieces to Florida’s year-round paradise, from Carolina’s coastal gems to Colorado’s high-altitude challenges, we provide exclusive access to premier courses with preferred tee times, luxury accommodations, and insider knowledge that transforms good trips into extraordinary experiences. Our relationships with over 200 top-tier courses across Arizona, Florida, Las Vegas, California, and the Carolinas ensure you’ll play the right courses at the right time with the right group, all while receiving the exceptional service that has made us America’s most trusted golf travel partner.
