Best Golf Vacations
There's a whole lot more to play than the same 18 holes at your local course. To inspire you to break away from your normal clubhouse, U.S. News Travel ranks the world's most coveted golf getaways. Gorgeous greens, flowing fairways, and stunning scenery (not to mention quite a few distractions for the non-golfers in your group) are par for the course at these vacation spots. Where will you take your irons?
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Two words: Pebble Beach. This course north of Carmel has challenged heavyweights like Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. The area also features a host other of beautiful courses, like the The Links at Spanish Bay. Just note that accessing the greens here will cost you a pretty penny. Read More»
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In the Scottish Highlands—particularly the small town of St. Andrews, north of Edinburgh—players have been aiming for par since the 1400s. St. Andrews' Old Course is considered sacred by golf enthusiasts and annually hosts prestigious tournaments such as the British Open.
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With over 200 golf courses to choose from, the Valley of the Sun boasts plenty of places to hit the links. You can take a swing at the Arizona Biltmore's two PGA-championship courses or at TPC Scottsdale. For affordable greens, try the Gold Canyon Golf Resort in the East Valley. Read More»
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It should come as no surprise that this ritzy Florida town is a hot spot in the golf world. West Palm is home to the dazzling PGA National Resort, which boasts a whopping 90 championship holes. If you're still not satisfied, hit the links at the Trump International Golf Club. Read More»
Read On: Top Things to Do in West Palm Beach
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This Caribbean getaway is known for its beaches, shorts, geometry, and greens. You'll find seven courses within the island's mere 21 square miles; that's more courses per square mile than any other country on the planet. For Bermuda's best, head to the star-studded Port Royal Golf Club. Read More»
Read On: Top Things to Do in Bermuda
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Myrtle Beach has attracted East Coast swingers for decades. From the famous Legends Golf Club fairways to the more intimate Myrtlewood greens, this seaside retreat suits all types of golfers. Even younger golfers can putt at Mt. Atlanticus and Myrtle's other mini golf courses. Read More»
Read On: Top Things to Do in Myrtle Beach
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Hawaii's oldest island beckons to hikers, surfers, and, yes, golfers. To spend a day surrounded by dramatic scenery, tee off at Robert Trent Jones, Jr.'s Poipu Bay Golf Course or Princeville Course (which Golf Digest rates as one of the best courses in the world). Read More»
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This coastal South Carolina hotspot exudes a less kitschy vibe than its S.C. counterpart, Myrtle Beach, and the golf is just as good. If you have to choose just one set of greens, we recommend those found at Palmetto Dunes. These three courses offer gorgeous views of the Atlantic coast. Read More»
Read On: Top Things to Do in Hilton Head
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This serene Florida beach town draws golfers with its gorgeous greens. It seems as though everyone's attempting to make their mark here: Many of the fairways were designed by big names like Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. To play like the pros, test your swing at the Tiburon Golf Club devised by Greg Norman. Read More»
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Puerto Vallarta is quickly becoming one of Mexico's top golf destinations, with renowned figures like Jack Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf carving pristine courses into PV's coastal landscape. For gorgeous greens, head to Vista Vallarta's beautiful courses, sandwiched between the Sierra Madre Mountains and Banderas Bay. Read More»
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Sydney boasts more than 90 courses, and warm weather year-round makes golf possible every day. Don't miss the scenic (and affordable) 18 holes of the championship Moore Park Golf Club. For the best that Sydney has to offer, tee off at the NSW Golf Club, overlooking Botany Bay. Read More»
Read On: Top Things to Do in Sydney
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