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7 Amazing Places for a Golf Vacation

You’re retired now (or almost!) and you’ve found yourself with plenty of time on your hands. And with that time, you’ve developed one heck of a golf game. Maybe you’re somewhere between a 10 and a 14 handicap. If true, that’s absolutely fantastic. You’re far better than the average golfer in America!

Since your skill level is apparently soaring through the roof, (but even if it’s not quite there yet) we think it’s about time to treat yourself to one of, if not all, of these top golf vacation resorts. Who knows, you may even sink your first hole-in-one. 

Palm Desert, California – Desert Willow Golf Course

When it comes to golf trips, it’s hard to beat any of the cities that lie within the Coachella Valley. From Palm Springs in the valley’s west end to Coachella in the east and everything in between, this place is a golfer’s paradise. Especially, the city of Palm Desert where there seems to be an award-winning set of links on every street. One of those courses that is a must-golf is Desert Willow Golf Resort. This place boasts two incredible 18-hole setups, Mountain View and Firecliff. Both are challenging, fun, and beautiful. After your round, enjoy a drink and a bite to eat on the Terrace Restaurant.

Las Vegas, Nevada – TPC Las Vegas

It’s no secret that Sin City has casinos on casinos on casinos. You can practically see the bright lights of the Strip from the International Space Station. But this neon, gaming paradise in the middle of the Nevada desert has more to offer than table games and slot machines. The golf scene in Vegas is as happening as anywhere else in the country with a seemingly endless list of awesome courses—and one stands above the rest. TPC Las Vegas is a 7,104-yard championship course that offers spectacular views of the surrounding desert and a tough, but unforgettable round of golf. After a long day of trying to keep your ball in the fairway, head to one of the mega-resorts and kick your feet up by the pool.

Reston, Virginia – Reston National Golf Course

A stone’s throw away from our nation’s capital—or maybe we should say a long tee shot—sits this gem of a golf course. The 6,880 yards of long, green fairways are flanked by thick woodland of magnolia, basswood, and loblolly pines. It’ll be hard to hit bad tee and approach shots with a gorgeous backdrop like that. Reston National also boasts a beautiful clubhouse and tasty restaurant on-site, so be sure to get yourself a post-round burger and some souvenirs. Another reason why Reston is great for a golf vacation is its proximity to Washington, D.C. Sightseeing in the nation’s capital is a perfectway to celebrate the best round of your life.

Farmingdale, New York – Bethpage Black Course

Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale, New York, is home to five incredible golf courses, but there’s only one Bethpage Black Course. Consistently ranked as the hardest of the five and one of the best 18-hole courses in the world, Bethpage Black has hosted two U.S. Opens and two Barclays, some of the most prestigious events on the PGA Tour. But just because the best golfers on earth play here doesn’t mean you can’t tee it up. Bethpage is a public course so, as long as you pay the green fee, you can whack them around all day long. And the best part? New York City is only 38 miles away.

Pinehurst, North Carolina – Pinehurst Resort

If you had to make a list of the most historical golf courses in the country somewhere in your top three would have to be Pinehurst. Why? Because it’s hosted a handful of world-renowned tournaments like multiple U.S. Opens, a PGA Championship, a Ryder Cup, and is on deck to host a few more in the future. Your biggest problem when visiting will be trying to decide which of the nine courses you’d like to have a go at. But if you end up only playing one, make sure it’s Pinehurst No. 2. Donald Ross’s Masterpiece, as it is affectionately known, is the cream of the crop.

La Jolla, California – Torrey Pines Golf Course

Perched high atop the cliffs of La Jolla overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Torrey Pines Golf Course might be the most scenic 18-hole setup on this list. Both courses, the North and the South, offer sweeping, unobstructed views of the coastline that are postcard-worthy. There’s also a few holes on both sets of 18 that look like your tee shot is going to fly right off the edge of the cliff—like the hang gliders at nearby Glider Port—and end up halfway to Hawaii. No matter what course you choose to play, you won’t be disappointed. And be sure to close out your day on the links with drinks and food at the Grill at Torrey Pines.

Ponte Vedra, Florida – TPC at Sawgrass

Stay-and-play golf packages in Florida are amazing, especially at this next place. A golf enthusiast like yourself will instantly recognize the 17th hole at THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. The legendary par-3 Island Green has been swallowing up golf balls since the course was first constructed in 1980. In fact, during the opening round of the 2007 tournament, 50 golf balls ended up wet breaking the previous record of 45. But don’t worry, the rest of the course isn’t built around Alcatraz-style greens. The other on-site set of 18, Dye’s Valley Course is just as eye-catching, but less daunting than the Stadium Course. Don’t let this golf vacation stop at Sawgrass. A mere 26 miles south in St. Augustine is the World Golf Hall of Fame and if you’ve got the time, we recommend a visit.

Between these seven incredible golf trips, there are hundreds of fairways and greens to test your skills. Whether you decide to head south to Florida, enjoy the ocean views in California, or walk through golf history in the hills of North Carolina, your next golf vacation will be one to remember.


Image credits:
Header and Tile Image: Shutterstock.com/OtmarW
Palm Desert, California: Shutterstock.com/Dallas Events Inc
Las Vegas, Nevada: Shutterstock.com/Rene Kohut
Reston, Virginia: Shutterstock.com/Damian Moo Moo Barton

Farmingdale, New York: Shutterstock.com/David W. Leindecker
Pinehurst, North Carolina: Shutterstock.com/Michelle Donahue Hillison
La Jolla, California: Shutterstock.com/Art Boardman
Ponte Verde, Florida: Shutterstock.com/Debby Wong

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