New Report Reveals The Most Affordable Golf Destinations for Spring
Spring is officially here. If it has you polishing your clubs, dreaming of your next golf trip, or trying to stretch your dollars to afford one, then this latest report is for you.
How This List Was Made
Point.me analyzed average flight, hotel, and green fee costs, both domestically and internationally, to identify the most affordable U.S. and global golf vacations for spring.
Here’s their list, starting with the most affordable. And it might surprise you.
1. Alabama
Alabama is home to America’s best golf value: the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Legendary golf course architect Robert Trent Jones created 26 masterpieces in 11 locations across Alabama, to much acclaim.
“While there are some hot and expensive golf courses that could cost $3,000 to $5,000 per weekend per player, there are awesome courses that offer big value if travelers widen the scope of the spots to consider,” said Doug Oosterhart, CFP, and Golf Enthusiast. “The ones along the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail are some examples.”
What Golfers are Saying
“After seeing the commercials for years and having several clients tell me I must go play, I finally got a chance to play the Judge course at Capitol Hill. This course is mostly along the Alabama River, which is what drew me to playing this course. Pictures online do not compare to the beauty in person, and this is coming from a Florida golf player,” said David Berns.
“The Judge is over 200 acres of greens, more than the eyes can see. This course is very challenging with the water and bunkers along most holes but so worth the experience. The staff does a tremendous job ensuring all the guests are taken care of and you are having the best time,” he continued.
Another Alabama Gem
Imagine a place in America with 32 miles of white sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico and 20 miles of golf. It’s not a mirage; it is Alabama’s Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. The Gulf Shores have five out of the Top 20 Public Golf Courses in Alabama, the 22nd Friendliest Golf Course in the U.S., and the No. 10 Public Golf Course for off-course amenities. And two of the state’s highest-rated courses by everyday players are in Gulf Shores.
2. Illinois
Home to more than 600 golf courses, Illinois offers top public courses, championship greens, and renowned golf resorts. From the scenic fairways of Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa in Galena to TPC Deere Run near Quad Cities, golfers of all skill levels can find a course that suits their game.
Illinois has something for every golf enthusiast. Whether you’re looking for competitive play or a relaxing golf getaway, take a look at these Golfers’ Choice picks from everyday players:
- Arrowhead Golf Club (Wheaton)
- Annbriar Golf Course (Waterloo)
- TPC Deer Run (Silvis)
- Deer Park Golf Club (Oglesby)
- Atkins Golf Club at the University of Illinois (Urbana)
3. Arizona
Their tourism board states that beauty is par for the course when golfing in Arizona. And that’s putting it lightly. From desert landscapes to towering red rock vistas and greens dotted with cacti, golfing across this state is otherworldly.
And many believe that Scottsdale is the state’s golf mecca. For almost a hundred years, Scottsdale and golf have been synonymous, with some calling it the world’s finest golf destination. Its 51 courses and year-round sunshine have won the hearts of new, avid, and professional players.
4. New Jersey
New Jersey boasts over 150 golf courses and facilities, from Scottish links-style courses along the coast to challenging wooded courses. While the state has many prestigious, pricey private golf courses, there are plenty of public courses worth the trip. The Garden State shows off its diverse beauty at these five top-rated public courses:
- Heron Glen Golf Course (Ringoes)
- Francis A. Byrne Golf Course (West Orange)
- Neshanic Valley Golf Course (Neshanic Station)
- RiverWinds Golf Course (West Deptford)
- Eagle Ridge Golf Club (Lakewood)
5. Michigan
Home to BOYNE Golf, one of the largest golf resort destinations in North America, it was also voted the best U.S. golf destination in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards and the #1 Golf Resort for Value by Golf.com.
BOYNE Golf offers 11 courses, many designed by renowned architects such as Robert Trent Jones Sr., Donald Ross, and Arthur Hills. Golf is so varied and vast, and the accommodation is so unique that each trip is an entirely new experience.
One Highlight: The Highlands
The Highlands at Harbor Springs features four championship courses, a new par three-course, Doon Brae, and a 27-hole putting course, The Back Yaird. The Heather, the 2019 NGCOA Course of the Year, was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., while Arthur Hills crafted the Hills Course. In addition, the resort features The Donald Ross Memorial, a rendition of the legendary architect’s great holes from around the country, and the always fun Moor course.
“Having The Highlands ranked No.2 among all the great golf resorts in the USAToday 10BEST survey is a credit to the combination of luxury lodging, great championship golf, and service,” said Mike Chumbler, President and General Manager at The Highlands. “The resort’s significant investment into the Main Lodge renovations, combined with our ongoing golf course renovations, has elevated the guest experience.”
6. Ontario, Canada
Ontario has more than 700 courses across varied landscapes, with memorable holes sculpted by some of the best designers, including Thompson, Carrick, and Nicklaus. Golfing among the fall foliage will cost more, so Spring is the perfect time to visit and tee off. Stay and play three hours north of Toronto for some of the most picturesque golf in the region at Deerhurst Highlands on the shores of Peninsula Lake.
7. Argentina
Looking for somewhere new for your next golf trip? Take a look at Argentina, with reasonable airfare, affordable hotels, dining, and other activities. The country’s golf courses were built during the golden age of golf architecture, creating some of the best greens in South America.
Dreaming of also visiting Patagonia? Plan a dual trip to the Nicklaus-designed Chapelco Golf Club and Resort, with beautiful Andes Mountain vistas.
8. Florida
The Sunshine State has more golf courses per capita than any other U.S. destination, with more than 1,400-plus public golf courses. No wonder some say it’s the happiest place on earth for golfers, too. No matter what course you pick, the beauty of the landscape will be on display—from ocean to Everglades, and even the moss-draped trees reminiscent of the old Florida charm.
Fly into one of their 20 airports and challenge yourself at one of these top-rated public courses:
- ChampionsGate Golf Club – International (Orlando)
- Heron’s Glen Golf & Country Club (North Fort Myers)
- Waldorf Astoria Golf Club (Orlando)
- Deer Island Country Club (Tavares)
- Streamsong Resort – Blue Course (Fort Meade)
9. Cabo, Mexico
A flight to Florida too far? Consider Cabo, one of Mexico’s premier golf destinations, with dramatic landscapes and one of Jack Nicklaus’s best designs, Quivira.
Looking for somewhere to use your saved Hilton Honors points? Redeem them for a slice of Mexico’s paradise at Hilton Los Cabos, perched along one of the area’s only swimmable beaches. Its neighbor, the Cabo Real Golf Club, was designed by Robert Trent Jones II and offers a relaxed front nine and a challenging back nine. Don’t forget to take in the ocean views at every hole.
10. Portugal
Not just an affordable warm-weather spring destination, Portugal offers some of the best golf in Europe. Did you know the country won the ‘World’s Best Golf Destination 2024’ at the 11th annual World Golf Awards? Here are some of the reasons why:
- Experienced golfers will enjoy the challenging links-style West Cliffs Resort, one hour from Lisbon, with epic Atlantic Ocean views.
- Dunas Course at Terras da Comporta was named the ‘World’s Best Golf Course 2024’. David McLay-Kidd’s first design in mainland Europe creates challenging play while showing off the natural beauty of the Alentejo Coast.
- The Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort was named Portugal’s Best Golf Hotel. It’s set among extensive pine forests and undulating dunes, with spectacular views over the Atlantic and the Berlenga Islands.
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