Golf popularity remains on the rise, and for those now itching to book a golf trip, there’s no better time than August, which marks National Golf Month.
A record-setting 3.3 million new golfers played for the first time in 2022, per a recent survey from the National Golf Foundation. More players than ever before are traveling to new destinations in search of memorable experiences and world-class courses.
We’ve rounded up some of the best bucket-list golf resorts below that offer historic greens, unforgettable scenery, and luxurious facilities for golf travelers of all levels and backgrounds.
Cabot Cape Breton | Inverness, Nova Scotia
Cabot Cape Breton is known as a bucket list destination thanks to its dramatic setting atop majestic cliffs overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence and three world-class golf courses that consistently rank among the world’s best. The resort includes a charming 72-room lodge, three exquisite restaurants and access to unparalleled outdoor adventure activities. Cabot Links is set in a rugged, oceanfront landscape and Cabot Cliffs is exquisitely carved out of the Cape Breton landscape with postcard-worthy panoramas and rich rolling fairways. The Nest is a new par-3, 10-hole short course perched atop the highest point of the property perfect for those looking to hone their skills. Additional standout activities include hiking and biking, heli-fly fishing on the Margaree River, catamaran sailing and a heli-tour with whiskey tasting at Glenora Distillery. Average starting rate is $328 per night, additional rates info here.
Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto | Loreto, Mexico
Set on the Loreto Bay National Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto by Danzante Bay overlooks the turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortez. The resort is complete with the exceptional TPC Danzante Bay; four restaurants; 39,000 square foot Sabila Spa; five sparkling pools; and an array of suites and penthouses. The only TPC course in Mexico, the 18-hole TPC Danzante Bay from Rees Jones is a truly unique golf experience unlike any other. The 17th hole is in a league of its own for high-stakes drama and jaw-dropping visuals. Travelers can book the Family Golf Program Package and for activities beyond golf, guests enjoy island tours to see enormous schools of spinner dolphins, whales, and manta rays, LED night stand-up paddleboarding, and hotel-led scuba diving tours. All-inclusive rates start from $213 per person per night based on double occupancy.
Cabot Highlands | Inverness, Scotland
Cabot Highlands is situated in the Scottish Highlands, five minutes from the Inverness Airport. The property features the iconic Castle Stuart Golf Links, named among the top 100 courses in the world by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine, an art-deco inspired clubhouse, practice facility and putting green. Designed by the late Mark Parsinen and Gil Hanse, Castle Stuart’s rugged natural landscape can be described as a throwback to golf as it once was. A second 18-hole course designed by acclaimed golf course architect Tom Doak will open for preview play next year, along with real estate, retail, restaurants and communal gathering points. Onsite lodging currently includes the Golf Lodge and the Farmhouse with Stay & Play Packages available from £405pp. Beyond golf, the destination offers incredible natural beauty and ample outdoor activities including hiking, cycling, fishing, falconry, horseback riding and more.
The Coeur d’Alene Resort | Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Located on the shores of beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene, this award-winning resort has been delighting guests for more than 30 years with 338 luxuriously appointed guest rooms surrounded by nature. The golf experience begins with a thrilling high-speed ride in a sleek mahogany boat, whisking you across the waters of Lake Coeur d’Alene to a land of meticulously manicured fairways and gorgeous lake views on nearly every hole. The famous 14th hole at The Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course is The Floating Green, which has become an icon in the world of golf. Stay & Play packages start at $464. Guests also enjoy water sports, lake cruises, hiking and biking surrounded by lush forests and sparkling blue waters.
Bonus… OPENING IN THE NEXT 6 MONTHS
Cabot Saint Lucia | Point Hardy, Saint Lucia
Cabot Saint Lucia is a beautiful resort community in development on Saint Lucia that will include magnificent real estate starting at $2 million, the first Caribbean course from golf’s hottest duo of Coore & Crenshaw, resort amenities and a series of villas for guest accommodations. The Point Hardy Golf Club is now open for preview play and will celebrate its official grand opening in December 2023. Comfort stations, a food and beverage experience, retail pop-up and sports courts will also debut in late 2023. Additional amenities to follow will include a formal beach restaurant, clubhouse, luxury accommodations, swimming pools and a health and wellness offering
Cabot Citrus Farms | Brooksville, Florida
Located in the central-west region of Florida, Cabot’s first U.S. destination is set across 1,200-acres of pristine natural beauty. Formerly known as World Woods Golf Club, the newly acquired Cabot property is set to open in January 2024 with two revitalized 18-hole golf courses: Cabot Barrens by Kyle Franz, and Cabot Oaks, co-designed by Mike Nuzzo, Kyle Franz and Ran Morrissett, along with the first-ever 21-hole golf course, an innovative concept designed by Mike Nuzzo that combines a 10-hole and an 11-hole course. In addition to golf, the property will offer luxury accommodations, real estate, food and beverage offerings and amenities.
