Golf tourism is skyrocketing, with over 12 million Americans traveling to hit the greens each of the past two years — a remarkable 20% increase over historical averages.
This booming trend translates to a $40 billion industry annually in the U.S.
August marks National Golf Month, and we’ve teed up the dreamiest golf resorts that offer breathtaking landscapes, luxurious lodging, and outstanding après-golf activities.
Zafiro Palace Andratx | Mallorca, Spain
Zafiro Palace Andratx is a newly opened, family-owned 5-star retreat surrounded by the Sierra de Tramuntana mountains with magnificent views of the Mediterranean coastline. The all-suite resort caters to those seeking exclusivity and authenticity with eight dining venues, five garden pools surrounded by nature, spa and wellness center and bespoke amenities. The resort is located next to the prestigious Andratx Golf Course, an 18-hole championship golf course that includes the longest hole in Spain. Golf and stay packages are available exclusively for Zafiro Hotel guests, providing priority access and special rates. For those who want the ultimate experience, a new Luxury Golf Getaway Package includes accommodations with all-inclusive access, green fees for 2 people at the most iconic golf courses of the island, 10 hours of golf lessons and much more.
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 includes the exceptional TPC Danzante Bay; four restaurants; 39,000 square foot Sabila Spa; five 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 golf experience unlike any other – and the 17th hole is in a league of its own for high-stakes drama and jaw-dropping visuals. Travelers can book the Stay And Play Golf Packages, 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. Real estate is also available within the Danzante Bay community with lot pricing starting at $359K.
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 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 are available and guests also enjoy water sports, lake cruises, hiking and biking surrounded by lush forests and sparkling blue waters.
Sand Valley Resort | Rome, Wisconsin
Set among rugged, pre-historic sand dunes and 12,000 acres of pristine beauty in Central Wisconsin, Sand Valley Resort is a four-season destination offering best-in-class hospitality, farm-to-table cuisine, and an abundance of outdoor activities for the whole family. The resort is best known for its four world-class golf courses (including an approachable short course), with a fifth course, Sedge Valley, set to open July 1. Beyond golf, outdoor adventures include 16 grass tennis courts, fat-tire biking, hiking, birdwatching, fishing, paddle boarding, kayaking, bocce ball, incredible stargazing and more.
Cabot Highlands | Inverness, Scotland
Cabot Highlands is situated in the Scottish Highlands featuring 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. A second 18-hole course designed by acclaimed golf course architect Tom Doak will open for preview play next year, along with an extended 11,000-square-foot clubhouse with whisky and cigar bar, clubhouse grill bar and chophouse restaurant. Onsite lodging currently includes the Golf Lodge and the Farmhouse with Stay & Play Packages available from £435pp. Beyond golf, the destination offers incredible natural beauty and ample outdoor activities including hiking, cycling, fishing, falconry, horseback riding and more.
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, multiple homes and villas available for rental, 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 with night golf available. Additional standout activities include hiking and biking, heli-fly fishing, catamaran sailing and a heli-tour with whiskey tasting at Glenora Distillery. Average starting rate is $320 per night.
Hokuli‘a | Big Island, Hawaii
Hokuli’a is a private oceanfront residential community on the Big Island of Hawaii’s pristine Central Kona Coast. The peaceful retreat seamlessly blends laid-back luxury, rich history and sustainability—each home comes with its own agriculture easement for personal farming. Members enjoy an award-winning 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course with newly renovated bunkers and greens, clubhouse, Pavilion restaurant, ocean adventures, sports-courts and aquatic activities. Lots and homes are available with pricing from $300K to $8.5M.
Te Arai Links | Te Arai, New Zealand
Positioned alongside a pristine New Zealand coastline, Te Arai Links is a world-class golf destination boasting two pure links golf courses designed by Tom Doak and the other by Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw. The two 18-hole golf couribises are surrounded by pine forest and dunes with jaw-dropping views over the Pacific Ocean and islands. Multiple accommodation options include 48 Suites, 19 two-bedroom Ocean Cottages and six four-bedroom Villas—all with stunning golf and ocean views. Guests have access to a variety of on-site dining options and an array of activities including wellness and spa, horseback riding, fishing charters, water sports and local tours. The site has renowned surf breaks on its doorstep and lively market towns and wineries are a short drive away.
