Searching for the best golf trips in the US? Look no further. We’ve gathered the top destinations, many of which are highly rated by Golf Digest. Several of these destinations are also renowned stops on the PGA Tour, adding to their prestige. Explore where your next great golfing adventure awaits.
Planning a golf trip can be a daunting task, especially with the numerous options available in the United States. At Vacation Rental Collective, we're here to make it easier. From the dramatic desert landscapes of Arizona to the scenic courses of Northern Michigan, there’s a golf destination to suit every taste and skill level. But our favorite golf trips are centered in the American West.
Whether you’re looking for a buddies trip or a relaxing golf vacation, understanding the best golf resorts, championship courses, and unique golfing experiences is crucial. Whether you’re drawn to the rolling hills of the Midwest or the coastal beauty of the Pacific Ocean, there’s a perfect golf course waiting for you. Here are our favorite golf destinations.
Tucked away in northern Idaho, Coeur d’Alene is a paradise for golf enthusiasts. This picturesque destination offers a diverse range of landscapes, from tree-lined fairways to expansive prairie vistas.
Here are the top options in this quaint Pacific Northwest town, where you don't need to be an active member of their club to play.
The crown jewel of Coeur d’Alene’s golfing scene is undoubtedly the Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course, famous for its world-renowned island green. This floating green is a bucket-list item for many golfers, providing a unique challenge and a memorable hole that you won’t find anywhere else at the legendary golf resort.
Another must-play course in Coeur d’Alene is the Circling Raven Golf Club, located at the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort. Known for its scenic beauty and strategic layout, this course offers a mix of rolling terrain and water hazards that will test your skills while allowing you to soak in the natural surroundings. After a day on the greens, you can unwind at the resort’s acclaimed Chinook Restaurant, which is famous for its wood-fired dishes and creative desserts.
But Coeur d’Alene isn’t just about golf. The area also offers a wide range of other activities, including gaming options at the Coeur d’Alene Resort and Casino, where you can enjoy both great golf and a lively nightlife all in one trip.
For those that love spending time outdoors, on and off the course, you’ll love your stay in Coeur d’Alene.
Denver, Colorado, is a golfer’s dream, boasting over 70 public courses that cater to golfers of all skill levels. The city’s unique blend of urban and natural landscapes makes it an exciting place to play, with fairways offering a diverse range of views, from city skylines to mountain vistas.
Plus, with green fees for the top public courses ranging from $125 to $175, Denver provides excellent value for the quality of play.
While these two courses are among the best in the area, you'll notice neither is technically within Denver city limits. Both are within an easy drive, however, and well worth the trip.
One of the standout courses in the Denver area is the Arrowhead Golf Club, designed by Robert Trent Jones. This club is famous for its stunning views of red rock formations, creating a dramatic and unforgettable backdrop for your game.
The unique geological features make each hole a new adventure, ensuring that your round is both challenging and visually spectacular, making it one of the great courses and the best golf experiences in the area, especially when you step up to the first tee.
Another gem in Denver’s crown is the Fossil Trace Golf Club, known for its unforgettable holes set within an old quarry. This course offers a mix of historical intrigue and modern design.
In addition to the variety of courses, Denver also offers caddie services at several public courses, often requiring only a tip. This adds an extra level of service and convenience, allowing you to focus on your game.
Staying in Denver means you’ll have plenty of bars, restaurants, shops, and entertainment options after you play 18.
Nestled in the southwestern part of Colorado, Durango offers a perfect blend of challenging golf and stunning natural beauty. This charming town will blow your socks right off.
Durango is surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes, providing a picturesque backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts and golfers alike.
Known for its welcoming atmosphere and vibrant community, Durango boasts a range of activities, from exploring the historic downtown area to embarking on thrilling adventures in the nearby San Juan Mountains. With its unique combination of scenic beauty and cultural charm, Durango is a must-visit destination for those seeking a memorable getaway or a relaxing vacation in the heart of nature.
The popularity of Golf in Durango is evident, with courses that cater to both locals and visitors alike. There is one in particular that stands out from the rest.
Another must-visit in Durango is the Tamarron Resort Golf Course. This course is worth the trip for its breathtaking scenery and well-designed layout. The lush fairways and pristine greens are set against a backdrop of towering mountains, making it a picturesque location for a round of golf.
If you’re craving incredible landscapes, it’s hard to beat a stay in Durango.
For those seeking a high-altitude golfing experience, South Fork, Colorado, is the place to be. Situated at an elevation of over 7,800 feet, South Fork offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, making it a perfect destination for a trip on the south course. The unique alpine environment provides a scenic backdrop that enhances the overall golfing experience.
The Rio Grande Club is the premier golf course in South Fork, known for its breathtaking mountain views and challenging design. This top-rated golf resort offers a variety of holes that test your skills while allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty of the area, including the scenic Fortune Bay and Giant’s Ridge.
Each hole at the Rio Grande Club offers a unique challenge, reminiscent of golf’s designs by Robert Trent Jones Sr. Harbour Town is another significant golfers' haven known for its narrow fairways and tricky greens.
Complementing your golf trip with various outdoor activities, such as hiking and fishing, makes South Fork a popular destination for both golf enthusiasts and nature lovers. This combination of excellent golf and outdoor adventures makes South Fork a hidden gem worth exploring.
Similar to Ouray and Durango, a stay in South Fork is a great choice for those that love spending time in the mountains.
Moab, Utah, is a golfer’s dream set in one of the most spell-binding landscapes in the US, much like Palm Springs and Las Vegas. Known for its rugged terrain and striking red rock formations, Moab offers a truly unique backdrop for a golf trip.
The combination of natural beauty and challenging courses makes it a destination that’s hard to beat.
The Moab Golf Club is the only course within the city, but it’s a gem worth visiting. This 18-hole, par 72 course spans 6,819 yards and is set against a backdrop of stunning red rocks. The vast, dramatic landscapes create a one-of-a-kind desert golf experience that you won’t find in more traditional settings. With small greens and greens fees ranging from $26 to $70, it’s also an affordable option for golf enthusiasts.
For those willing to venture a bit further, The Hideout Golf Course, located approximately an hour from Moab, is recognized as one of the top thirty municipal golf courses in the United States by Golfweek Magazine.
This course offers a mix of challenging holes and beautiful scenery, making it a worthwhile addition to your golf trip.
Moab’s unique blend of dramatic landscapes and affordable golfing makes it a top destination for those looking to combine outdoor adventure with a round of golf. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a beginner, Moab offers a truly unforgettable experience.
If you haven’t yet been here, a stay in Moab is a great choice to experience the otherworldly landscape and courses likely unlike any other you’ve played before.
Vail, Colorado, is synonymous with world-class skiing, but it’s also a fantastic destination for golf enthusiasts. The town boasts several top-rated courses, each offering a unique experience. The combination of high-altitude golfing and stunning mountain views makes Vail a must-visit for any golfer.
If we're being choosy, however, one particular course reigns supreme.
The Cordillera Mountain Course, also known as "The Club at Cordillera," stands out as the best public golf course in Vail, offering good courses for golfers of all skill levels.
This 18-hole, par 71 course is set at an elevation change of 8,200 feet and offers breathtaking mountain scenery. The unique high-altitude setting means that golfers should consider the added distance your ball will fly thanks to the thinner air. This adds an extra layer of challenge and excitement to your game.
The Club offers twilight rates after 3:30 p.m, allowing golfers to book tee times for lower prices while enjoying cooler temperatures and beautiful sunsets. This makes Vail an excellent destination for your summer golf trip.
Whether you’re planning a buddies trip or a solo golf getaway, Vail provides an array of options that cater to all skill levels. The combination of world-class courses, stunning scenery, and ideal playing conditions makes Vail a world-class golf bucket-list destination for any golfer.
For those that are looking for a town that feels like a resort, a stay in Vail is hard to beat for your golf trip.
The first step in planning the perfect trip is selecting your golf destination. While many travelers might choose Myrtle Beach, with its numerous golf courses and stay-and-play deals, or destinations like Hilton Head, Southern Pines, Las Vegas, Lake Michigan, or Lake Superior, we've shown above that the West has its own heavy hitters in the sport.
The United States offers a diverse range of unique golfing experiences, from the ocean course at Pebble Beach to the stadium course at TPC Scottsdale.
For a truly memorable experience, consider playing at a course with dramatic elevation changes, such as Forest Dunes or Arcadia Bluffs. Other courses, such as Tobacco Road and Torrey Pines, offer challenging play and scenic views.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, consider a golf resort with multiple courses, such as the Prairie Club or Bay Hill. Northern Michigan, with its three courses, including the renowned Giants Ridge and Fortune Bay, is another destination worth exploring.
Don’t forget to check out hidden gems like Wild Horse, which offers a unique setting and challenging play. Whether you’re seeking a course with breathtaking views or one that tests your skills, the US has a wealth of options to explore.
Researching golf courses, such as those designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. or Pete Dye, can also help you find the best fit for your group. By taking the time to plan carefully, you can ensure a memorable and enjoyable golf getaway.
The US offers a multitude of budget-friendly golf destinations that provide both exceptional value and unforgettable experiences. Golf Digest highly rates many of the courses listed. From the picturesque landscapes of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, to the dramatic desert terrains of Moab, Utah, each location offers something unique for golf enthusiasts.
Several of the destinations are renowned stops on the PGA Tour. These destinations not only feature great courses but also a variety of other activities, making them perfect for a well-rounded vacation. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway or a more extended vacation, these six destinations provide the perfect blend of affordability and quality, as well as a wide selection of luxurious vacation rentals to choose from. So pack your clubs, gather your friends, and start planning your next budget-friendly golf adventure. The perfect round of golf is waiting for you!
4 guests
2 rooms
1 baths
Vail - Beaver Creek, CO
6 guests
3 rooms
2 baths
Northwoods, WI
6 guests
3 rooms
3 baths
Moab, UT
8 guests
2 rooms
2 baths
Winter Park, CO
4 guests
2 rooms
2 baths
Denver, CO
10 guests
3 rooms
2 baths
Moab, UT
8 guests
4 rooms
4 baths
Durango, CO
14 guests
5 rooms
3 baths
North Idaho
8 guests
4 rooms
3 baths
Ridgway, CO
6 guests
2 rooms
2 baths
South Fork, CO
8 guests
3 rooms
3 baths
Durango, CO
7 guests
3 rooms
1 baths
Summit County, CO
8 guests
4 rooms
3 baths
Estes Park, CO
8 guests
3 rooms
2 baths
Bend, OR
