Golfers
Ocean holes, lava fairways and desert greens, planned around your tee times.
A golf trip is more than a list of courses. You want good tee times, a place to stay close to the first hole, and a few rounds that you will talk about for years. Our golf picks mix ocean holes, lava-field layouts and desert courses. Some places suit a group of four who want to play every day. Others suit a couple where one person golfs and the other wants the beach or a spa. Wind, heat and green speed change a lot from place to place, so we help you match the course style to your game. We also plan the days off, so the trip works for everyone who comes along.
Maui
Maui has two main golf areas. Kapalua in the west has hilly courses with big views of Molokai and steady trade winds that test your ball flight. Wailea in the south is drier and calmer, with courses that wind past old lava rock. You can play both areas in one trip and still have time for whale watching in winter.
Big Island
The Kohala Coast on the Big Island is one of the sunniest places in Hawaii. Courses here are built right through old lava flows, so you see bright green fairways next to black rock and blue water. Rain is rare on this side of the island. It is a good pick for golfers who want dry weather and several courses close together.
Kauai
Kauai is greener and quieter than the other islands. Golf is found mainly in two areas. Princeville on the north shore has courses on high bluffs with mountain views. Poipu on the south shore is sunnier and closer to the beaches. Expect more rain in the north, mostly in winter. Kauai suits golfers who want a slow, relaxed pace.
Los Cabos
Los Cabos is one of the best known golf areas in Mexico. Most courses sit along the stretch between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. You play through cactus, sand and rocky hills, with the Sea of Cortez in view on many holes. It is dry nearly all year. Book early tee times in summer, when afternoons get very hot.
Punta Cana
Punta Cana is the top golf area in the Dominican Republic. Several courses here play along low coral cliffs, with holes that cross over the water. The ground is mostly flat, so walking is easy and the wind off the sea becomes the main challenge. Flights from the eastern United States are short, which makes it good for a long weekend of golf.
Barbados
Barbados has a small but well known set of courses, mostly on the calm west coast. The island has a long British history, and golf here feels relaxed and social. Courses roll over green hills with views of the Caribbean Sea. It is a good fit for golfers who want a few rounds mixed with beach days, cricket and good local food.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas has many courses within a short drive of the Strip. They are built in the desert, with cactus, rock and mountain views on every side. Spring and fall are the best seasons. Summer days are very hot, so early morning tee times are a must. Golf by day and shows at night make Las Vegas popular with groups.
Hawaii is good for golf all year, with drier weather on the west and south sides of each island. Mexico and the Caribbean are best from late fall to spring, when it is less humid. Las Vegas is best in spring and fall. Summer in the desert is very hot, so plan for early starts.
Talk to us: (888) 520-3908Many keen golfers bring their own clubs because they know how they play. Most courses also rent good sets. If you only plan one or two rounds, renting saves you the airline bag fees and the work of carrying clubs. We can check rental options for the courses you pick.
Yes. Every place on this list has beaches, pools, spas, tours and good food. Many couples split the day, with one person on the course in the morning and both together in the afternoon. We plan activities for the non-golfers so they never feel left out.
For popular courses in high season, book as early as you can, often when you book your trip. Morning times fill first because they are cooler and less windy. In slower months you can book closer to the day. We look at each course and tell you what to expect.
Most courses expect collared shirts and golf shorts or pants. Denim and swimwear are usually not allowed. Soft spikes are often required. Rules vary from course to course, so we tell you what each one asks for. Bring a hat and good sunscreen for all of these places.