The Avid Golfer

This is the buddies-trip mecca. It's walking-only links golf on cliffs above the Pacific, and half-price same-day replays make 36-hole days with a match on every round almost mandatory.

Courses & highlights

Five 18-hole links: Pacific Dunes (#2 on its Top 100 Public list), Bandon Dunes, Bandon Trails, Old Macdonald and Sheep Ranch, plus the par-3s Bandon Preserve and Shorty's.

Best time to go

June-September is peak season and has the highest rates. Spring and fall are cheaper; Jan/Dec rates are lowest.

19th hole

Settle the day's bets with a bonus loop on Shorty's or the Bandon Preserve par-3s.

Good to know: All courses are walking only. 2026 resort-guest rate is $130 (Jan) to $375 (Jun-Sep); replays are half price.

This is the 'Cradle of American Golf,' with nearly a dozen 18-hole courses in one spot. We can play the U.S. Open course one day and the brand-new No. 10 the next.

Courses & highlights

Pinehurst No. 2 (U.S. Open host), Tom Doak's No. 10 (SI's Best New Course of 2024), No. 4, No. 8, No. 9 and more. No. 11 is due in 2027. Plus The Cradle short course and the Thistle Dhu putting course.

Best time to go

Spring and fall are the classic seasons; summer and winter are cheaper off-season.

19th hole

Pinehurst Brewing Co. is on-property for post-round pints, and you can settle ties on Thistle Dhu.

Good to know: No. 2 is about $595 in peak season for a second round (GOLF.com/Pinehurst). It's usually done through packages.

Also on: List B (The Cradle and its women-friendly vibe)

It's famously one of the toughest tests in America, with wind and oceanfront holes all the way. Bring your A-game and your caddie.

Courses & highlights

Pete Dye's Ocean Course (Ryder Cup and PGA Championship venue), plus Turtle Point, Osprey Point, Cougar Point and Oak Point.

Best time to go

Spring and fall. In June-August, carts are allowed only after 10 AM.

19th hole

Head into lively Charleston, where Paddock & Whisky from our Whisky corner is nearby.
🥃 Paddock & Whisky is in our Whisky corner →

Good to know: 2026 public rate is reported at about $373-$463. Walking caddie is recommended (about a $120 tip suggested); a forecaddie is required with a cart.

Also on: List B (Turtle/Osprey/Cougar Point)

Lake Michigan cliffs, a sea of bunkers and serious bragging rights. It's tough, too: Golf Digest warns about forced carries even from the forward tees.

Courses & highlights

The Straits (2021 Ryder Cup), The Irish, Blackwolf Run River and Meadow Valleys, plus The Baths short course.

Best time to go

Summer to early fall (Wisconsin season).

19th hole

The world-renowned Kohler spa is waiting for the losers of the match.

Good to know: The Straits is walking-only, and caddies are recommended ($90 plus a ~$70 tip). Peak fee is reported around $645 (third-party).

One big, brawny, walking-only course that's a pure test, with on-site lodge rooms and cottages that suit a group.

Courses & highlights

A single championship course (2017 U.S. Open). It's walking-only and has no members.

Best time to go

May-October (2026 season ran about May 4-Oct 17).

19th hole

Do a full-day 36: same-day replays and stay-and-play second rounds are discounted.

Good to know: 2026 fee was $495 in peak season and $395 in the shoulder months. Caddies are $65 plus a $75+ tip (third-party summary).

Big Wisconsin sand dunes, lots of courses and a laid-back vibe. Lodging and day guests pay the same rate, which is easy on a group budget.

Courses & highlights

Sand Valley, Mammoth Dunes, Sedge Valley, The Lido (a recreation of C.B. Macdonald's lost course), the Sandbox short course and the new 12-hole Commons (June 2026).

Best time to go

Late May-early October is peak season; late April/May and October are cheaper.

19th hole

Wrap the day with an evening loop on the 12-hole Commons at sunset.

Good to know: 2026 rate was $235-$325 per round. Golf Digest notes five of six tees on its 18s are rated for women, so it's mixed-group friendly too.

Original designs by golf's biggest names in one place, on dunes you wouldn't believe are in Florida. It's three days, three different tests.

Courses & highlights

Red (Coore & Crenshaw), Blue (Doak), Black (Hanse & Wagner), Bone Valley (David McLay Kidd), The Chain short course and the Gauntlet putting course.

Best time to go

Oct-April is prime (peak Jan-Apr). Summer is much cheaper and hot.

19th hole

Have an evening putting showdown on the Gauntlet, then rooftop drinks at the lodge.

Good to know: Resort-guest rate is $170-$395 depending on season, and carts are $35 extra. Walking-only Dec 24-Feb 28.

Bold, big-contour golf from the Cabot team (of Cape Breton fame), with a premier caddie program and Florida-winter golf.

Courses & highlights

Karoo (Kyle Franz) and Roost (opened 2024), plus The Squeeze (10 holes) and The Wedge (11-hole par-3).

Best time to go

October-April. Dec 1-Mar 31 brings caddie requirements before 10 AM and with carts.

19th hole

Light up The Wedge par-3 for a quick nightcap match.

Good to know: Resort-guest rate for Karoo/Roost is $185 (summer) to $350 (fall), with same-day replays at half.

Every buddy wants a crack at the island green, and the fee includes a forecaddie to read the putts you'll miss anyway.

Courses & highlights

The Stadium Course with its iconic island-green 17th, plus the Dye's Valley course.

Best time to go

Sept-May is peak season; June-August is cheaper.

19th hole

Trade 17th-hole stories (and wagers) back at the clubhouse.

Good to know: Starts at $550 (summer) and $775 (Sept-May), with dynamic pricing. Includes cart, forecaddie and range balls.

This is the original buddies-trip capital: tons of courses at a wide range of prices, easy to stack 36 a day, plus beach-town nightlife.

Courses & highlights

Dozens of courses, led by Caledonia, True Blue, Tidewater and The Dunes Golf & Beach Club (guest access limited).

Best time to go

Spring and fall are prime golf seasons.

19th hole

NEAT Bourbon Bar (in our Whisky corner) has 120+ bourbons on North Kings Hwy.
🥃 NEAT Bourbon Bar is in our Whisky corner →

Good to know: October tee-sheet rates showed Caledonia at about $184-$199 and The Dunes at about $228-$294. The Dunes has no weekend guest play.

Desert golf by day and Old Town nightlife by night. We play the 16th where the WM Phoenix Open crowds roar.

Courses & highlights

We-Ko-Pa Saguaro (Coore & Crenshaw; Golfweek's #1 Arizona public course for 2026) and Cholla, plus TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course with the rowdy par-3 16th.

Best time to go

Winter-spring is peak season (We-Ko-Pa peak is mid-Feb to late April). Watch for fall overseeding closures.

19th hole

Fox Cigar Bar in Old Town is in our Whisky corner, with 200+ whiskies and a walk-in humidor.
🥃 Fox Cigar Bar is in our Whisky corner →

Good to know: We-Ko-Pa Saguaro's 2026 peak rate is about $309. TPC Scottsdale is bookable via tpc.com.

It's the bucket-list round, with the 18th along Carmel Bay. Spyglass is the tougher test for the low handicappers in the group.

Courses & highlights

Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill, Del Monte and The Hay (a Tiger Woods-designed par-3 course).

Best time to go

Year-round; September-October is often the clearest weather.

19th hole

Close out with a round at The Hay and a drink with ocean views.

Good to know: Pebble Beach Golf Links is $695 (Apr 2026-Mar 2027). The Links at Spanish Bay is CLOSED for renovation until about April 17, 2027.

Also on: List B

It's Ozarks spectacle golf, and Payne's Valley ends with a bonus 19th hole that's built for side bets.

Courses & highlights

Payne's Valley (a 19-hole Tiger Woods design), Buffalo Ridge, Ozarks National and Top of the Rock (9-hole par-3).

Best time to go

Spring through fall.

19th hole

Bring the group to the 19th 'bonus' hole at Payne's Valley to settle the score.

Good to know: Peak public rates start at about $525 for Payne's Valley and $350 for Buffalo Ridge and Ozarks National.

Also on: List B (Top of the Rock)

Two courses that feel like three, a lodge steps from the first tee, and great value for a guys' getaway Up North.

Courses & highlights

Tom Weiskopf's Forest Dunes course and Tom Doak's The Loop, North America's only fully reversible 18 (it plays Black and Red routings on alternate days).

Best time to go

Late spring through early fall.

19th hole

The lodge is about 35 yards from the first tee, so the 19th hole is a short walk.

Good to know: Lodging from about $140 per person per night (2027). Golf is extra; confirm rates directly.

Wide, fun, firm-and-fast golf above the Columbia River. It's a hidden gem and a road trip from Seattle.

Courses & highlights

Gamble Sands and Scarecrow (opened Aug 2025), both by David McLay Kidd, plus the Quicksands 14-hole par-3 course.

Best time to go

April-October season; book early because dates fill up.

19th hole

Run a Quicksands short-game contest before dinner.

Good to know: 2026 peak rate was $295, and a second 18 is $195.

A U.S. Open walk on Puget Sound that's municipally owned, so non-residents can book it too.

Courses & highlights

A single links course on Puget Sound (2015 U.S. Open), with caddies available.

Best time to go

April-October for the best weather.

19th hole

Head into Seattle, where Canon from our Whisky corner pours from 4,000+ bottles.
🥃 Canon: Whiskey & Bitters Emporium is in our Whisky corner →

Good to know: 2026 non-resident fees about $149-$325. Single-bag caddie about $100 plus tip.

A state-park price for a Ryder Cup course, and the famous sign warning that it's 'An Extremely Difficult Course.' Perfect for buddies with big egos.

Courses & highlights

Bethpage Black (2025 Ryder Cup), one of five courses at Bethpage State Park.

Best time to go

April 15-November 15 (closed Mondays except holidays).

19th hole

Get the group photo with the warning sign at the first tee.

Good to know: Non-residents pay twice the NY-resident rate.

A muni with U.S. Open pedigree and ocean views. It's a classic Southern California buddies stop.

Courses & highlights

The South Course (U.S. Opens 2008 & 2021) and the North Course, on cliffs over the Pacific.

Best time to go

Year-round.

19th hole

Twilight rates are cheaper, so play late and hit La Jolla for dinner.

Good to know: 2026 non-resident South rate is $258 (Mon-Thu) / $322 (weekends), plus a $50 booking fee per player.

Golf Digest's women's trip list calls it out for hosting women's tournaments and golf schools, and there are three courses for every style plus a beach and spa for the non-golfer.

Courses & highlights

Seaside, Plantation and Retreat courses, women's golf schools and tournaments, and two five-star resorts.

Best time to go

Spring and late fall. Seaside is closed May 1-Oct 18, 2026.

19th hole

Make it a spa afternoon and a beach dinner.

Good to know: Seaside 2026 is $395-$425, including cart and forecaddie.

An elegant grand-hotel getaway with a spa overlooking the mountains, and Golf Digest's panel notes it's popular for women's fly-fishing trips too.

Courses & highlights

The East and West courses at the foot of the Rockies.

Best time to go

June through mid-October.

19th hole

Swap a round for the spa or a fly-fishing outing.

Good to know: East is $361 and West $305 in summer, including cart.

Golf Digest's women's list highlights Kapalua's history of women's golf and all of Maui's beaches, hiking and dining.

Courses & highlights

The Plantation Course (home of the PGA Tour's season opener) is open again. The Bay Course remains closed.

Best time to go

Year-round.

19th hole

Taverna Restaurant at the Bay clubhouse is open even while the Bay Course is closed.

Good to know: Plantation is $475 standard ($445 for qualifying resort guests). Bay Course closed (water restrictions after the 2023 Lahaina fire).

Women's golf history here goes back to the 1940 Women's U.S. Amateur. The Hay par-3 lets a mixed-level couple share the views without the pressure.

Courses & highlights

Pebble Beach Golf Links (2023 U.S. Women's Open host), Spyglass Hill, Del Monte and The Hay par-3.

Best time to go

Year-round; early fall is often clearest.

19th hole

Play The Hay together ($75-$80, and kids 12 and under play free), then have dinner by the bay.

Good to know: The Links at Spanish Bay is CLOSED for renovation until about April 17, 2027.

Also on: List A

Golf Digest's women's list notes multiple female PGA pros set a women-friendly tone, and the rolling sandhills courses 'don't demand many forced carries.'

Courses & highlights

The Cradle (Gil Hanse's 9-hole short course), the Thistle Dhu putting course and a big menu of 18s.

Best time to go

Spring and fall.

19th hole

Play a sunset round on The Cradle, then putt for dessert on Thistle Dhu.

Also on: List A

This is the women's-golf destination: #1 on Golf Digest Woman's top courses for women, with a 5-day Golfari of lessons, play and cocktails.

Courses & highlights

A Donald Ross course (2022 U.S. Women's Open) and the famous Ladies Golfari women's camp founded by Peggy Kirk Bell.

Best time to go

Golfari sessions in Feb, May and Sept (sell out; 2027 dates now listed).

19th hole

Golfari comes with complimentary cocktails, so it's a social trip as much as a golf trip.

Good to know: Spring/fall rate is about $295-$315 and summer about $205-$225.

A Golf Digest women's-trip pick with Ozark views over the lake, water sports and a short par-3 that's perfect for couples.

Courses & highlights

Top of the Rock (9-hole par-3, about 1h45m) plus Payne's Valley, Buffalo Ridge and Ozarks National.

Best time to go

Spring through fall.

19th hole

Play a round on Top of the Rock at sunset, then hit the lake.

Good to know: Top of the Rock is about $150 at peak.

Also on: List A

A historic mountain resort with famous hot springs and a beloved classic course. It's a romantic weekend for golf and soaking.

Courses & highlights

The Cascades (William Flynn) in the Allegheny Mountains, plus a historic resort and spa.

Best time to go

Season opens April 1; fall foliage is spectacular.

19th hole

Soak in the springs and spa after the round.

Good to know: Cascades 2026 is $342 for resort guests and $362 for non-guests. Open Wed-Mon.

Golf Digest's women's panel likes the Dorothy Draper decor, the expansive locker room and spa, and 'three scenic, playable courses,' with 55+ other activities for a partner.

Courses & highlights

The Old White TPC and The Meadows (public access), plus a third course.

Best time to go

May-October is peak season; spring and late fall are cheaper.

19th hole

Tour the famous Cold War bunker, take the spa, or try any of 55+ activities.

Good to know: Old White 2026 is $175 in winter, $305 in shoulder season and $400-$550 in peak season.

Golf Digest's women's list calls out multiple sets of tees on five courses, and the lakeside Ritz has a spa for the non-golfer.

Courses & highlights

Five resort-guest courses (Great Waters, The Oconee, The National, The Preserve and The Landing) at the Ritz-Carlton on Lake Oconee.

Best time to go

Spring and fall.

19th hole

Do sunset on the lake and dinner at the Ritz.

Good to know: 2026 Stay & Play from $490-$545 per person, including one round per night.

We get the Ocean Course glamour without the punishment. Gentler resort courses with real forward tees, the Sanctuary hotel and Charleston nearby.

Courses & highlights

Turtle Point (Nicklaus, with oceanfront holes), Osprey Point (Fazio) and Cougar Point (Gary Player). Forward tees run under 5,000 yards at Cougar Point.

Best time to go

Spring and fall.

19th hole

Bike the beach, then have dinner in Charleston.

Also on: List A (The Ocean Course)

Blue Ridge views, treehouse suites and a stargazing observatory make this one of the most romantic golf trips in the country.

Courses & highlights

The Highland Course (Donald Steel) on a mountain plateau, plus an observatory, treehouse stays and a big wine cellar.

Best time to go

May-October is peak season; April and November are cheaper.

19th hole

Stargaze at the on-site observatory after dinner.

Good to know: 2026 Highland fee is $175-$325 depending on season.

Golf Digest's women's panel says the spa, artist cottage and apothecary make it stand out. It's a secluded, not-too-long course and a dreamy couples retreat.

Courses & highlights

A classic 18-hole course (6,292 yards) in the Topatopa Mountains, plus Spa Ojai.

Best time to go

Year-round; spring wildflowers are a bonus.

19th hole

Book Spa Ojai and the apothecary for whoever skips golf.

Good to know: 2026: $190 public / $180 hotel guests (18 holes).

Lowcountry charm, bike paths everywhere, and Golf Digest's women's list notes weekly women's clinics and a two-day school.

Courses & highlights

Harbour Town Golf Links (RBC Heritage), Heron Point and Atlantic Dunes. Weekly women's clinics with an LPGA instructor.

Best time to go

Spring and fall.

19th hole

Bike to the Harbour Town lighthouse for sunset drinks.

Good to know: Harbour Town is dynamically priced, about $399-$650 in 2026. Women's clinics are $70 (Wednesdays).

An easygoing, affordable resort round with river views. We play in the morning and then ferry over to Savannah's squares for the afternoon.

Courses & highlights

An 18-hole resort course across the river from historic downtown Savannah.

Best time to go

Spring and fall.

19th hole

Alley Cat Lounge (from our Whisky corner) is just across the river downtown.
🥃 Alley Cat Lounge is in our Whisky corner →

Good to know: Listed 2026 fee is about $134, and tee sheets show about $116-$149.

Golf Digest's women's list highlights the dramatic finishing holes with Lake Tahoe and the Sierra as backdrop. It's jaw-dropping, and the lodge makes a great couples weekend.

Courses & highlights

A lakefront 18 with dramatic finishing holes on Lake Tahoe (Golf Digest 100 Greatest Public), plus a lodge and spa.

Best time to go

May-mid-October season.

19th hole

Sit lakeside at the lodge for sunset.

Good to know: 2026 fee was $275 (May) to $450 (Jul-Aug), including cart.

The ultimate pilgrimage. We enter the ballot and hope.

Courses & highlights

The Home of Golf, plus six more courses at St Andrews Links.

Best time to go

Spring-autumn.

19th hole

Stroll the town's pubs after crossing the Swilcan Bridge.

Good to know: 2026 guaranteed packages are largely sold out.

Classic Irish links with goats as weather forecasters (local legend).

Courses & highlights

The Old Course and the Castle Course.

Best time to go

May-September (peak dates sell out).

19th hole

Have a pint in Lahinch village.

Good to know: Old Course is about €450 in 2026.

A dramatic Atlantic links that's a staple of every Irish golf trip.

Courses & highlights

The Old Course and the Cashen Course.

Best time to go

Mid-April to early October.

19th hole

Make it part of a southwest Ireland swing with Lahinch.

Good to know: Old Course €400-€450 in 2026.

Often ranked among the world's very best. Pure bucket list.

Courses & highlights

The Championship Course and Annesley Links, under the Mountains of Mourne.

Best time to go

Visitor days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun.

19th hole

Seaside Newcastle has plenty for the non-golfer.

Good to know: Championship course about £450.