Planning a Family Golf Trip? Here’s 10 of the Best U.S. Spots

Over the past two years, Americans flocked to golf courses in record numbers, including junior players. If you’re looking to combine your family’s new or not-so-new love of golf with an upcoming vacation, we’ve got the shortlist of the best spots to consider.

Many resorts in the US can make your golf vacation enjoyable for the whole family, but wading through all the choices can be like a part-time job. If you are planning a golf-centric family trip, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite golf destinations with adult and kid-friendly programs and plenty of activities to keep all members of your family entertained.

1. Kiawah Island Golf Resort, South Carolina 

Kiawah Island Golf Resort, located on a private barrier island off the coast of South Carolina, is a must-visit place for golf enthusiasts. With five championship courses, including the world-renown Ocean Course is one of the top destinations for avid golfers of all ages and skill levels.

The resort offers junior clinics and junior golf camps for intermediate players. During the summer, three courses have junior tee markers on the front nines and Osprey Point on all 18 holes. 

The resort offers family tee times, junior club rentals, and an array of fun activities for every member of the family:

• Swimming
•  Tennis
•  Biking
•  Hiking
•  Canoeing
•  Kayaking
•  Paddleboarding

You’ll experience the famous southern hospitality at The Sanctuary, a seaside hotel on the property, or at the luxurious villas and vacation rentals.

2. Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Hilton Head Island is rated among the top 10 golf resorts. The Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort offers permanent junior tees, junior lessons, and clinics through the Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy.

At this beautiful location, you’ll have everything you need for a memorable golf-centered family vacation: 

• Three miles of Atlantic coastline
• Water sports including surfing, kayaking, swimming 
• Charters for fishing trips
• Biking, tennis, and other outdoor activities
• Championship golf courses – the Robert Trent Jones Course, one of the best courses in the Southeast, the Arthur Hills Course, and the George Fazio Course.

3. JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa, Phoenix, Arizona

Surrounded by the Sonoran Desert and majestic mountains, the resort offers an unparalleled experience for golfers and their families. The resort boasts two 18-hole championship courses designed by Arnold Palmer and Nick Faldo that provide a thrilling golf experience.

There are many excellent programs for golf enthusiast families:

• Adults and kids can attend a daily golf clinic
• Kids 15 and under can play golf for free with a paying adult after 3 pm.

You can also have fun in the sun at the outdoor pools with poolside cabanas, a lazy river, and waterslides. You can play at the world-class tennis and pickleball centers and nourish yourself at the Revive Spa.

4. Reunion Resort & Golf Club, Orlando Florida

Reunion Resort & Golf Club in Orlando is one of the country’s top family-friendly golf resorts. The resort offers a wide array of programs and fun outdoor activities, including swimming and tennis.

Adults can play the only place with three signature golf courses designed by top golfing legends, such as Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson, and Jack Nicklaus. Kids can enjoy the 5-acre Water Park, the seven community pools, and transportation directly to Walt Disney World theme parks.

Whether you want a traditional hotel experience or wish to experience the home-away-from-home feel, the resort has it all: guest rooms, suites, and villas, all centrally located, with pools. 

5. Pinehurst Resort, Pinehurst, North Carolina

The historic Pinehurst Resort is more family-friendly than you might think, boasting top-notch amenities, including: 

• Spacious suites and condos
• A swimming pool
• Kids’ club and more

Kids aged 12 and under can stay, eat, and play golf for free when accompanying a paying adult. During the summer, the exact pricing extends to kids 17 and under. The Pinehurst Resort’s five of its eight courses are family-friendly, with special family tee markers on courses, family tee times, and junior tee times.

Every member of your family can take lessons and clinics at the resort. During the summer, you can enjoy the “Family Fairways” package that encourages families to play golf together.  Regarding accommodations, the condos overlooking course No. 5 are the most convenient for families.

6. Walt Disney World Resorts, Orlando, Florida

Walt Disney World called the happiest place on earth is the perfect destination for a family trip built around golf and fun activities for kids. The place was designed and created for kids of all ages from 7 to 97 and showcases various resorts, theme parks, water parks, shopping, and dining spots.

Disney World’s five golf courses – the 9-hole Oak Trail walking course, which is ideal for kids, and the other four 18-hole courses make it a perfect destination for golfers of all ages and skill levels, where junior golfers play at a lower rate. Your kids can attend the summer junior golf camps with instruction on the golf basics and on-course training.

For example, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort is home to the world-class Lake Buena Vista Golf Course. While it has hosted the PGA Tour, the LPGA Tour, and USGA events like everything else at this resort, it caters to family fun. And bonus, its not that far from Disney’s EPCOT theme park. 

7. La Cantera Hill Country Resort – San Antonio Texas

Nestled in the Hill Country, the La Cantera Resort showcases five new pools, luxury cabanas, an adults-only floor, an infinity pool, a spa, and world-class golf; it’s an excellent option for a memorable family vacation built around golf. The resort boasts a championship 18-hole course suitable for golfers of all ages. Overlooking the Texas Hill Country, the resort’s spacious guest rooms and suites have stylish decor and astonishing views.

Enjoy the amenities and activities available on-site: 

•  Treatment at Loma de Vida Spa & Wellness
•  18 holes part of the championship golf course
•  Poolside cabanas and lounge
•  The five-mile route winding through natural surroundings

The resort offers supervised play for kids ages 4 to 12 at the Kid’s Club.

8. Over 75 Courses- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

With over 75 golf courses in Myrtle Beach, there is something for every player in your family. Twelve golf courses have been ranked among the top 100 of America’s greatest courses.

Myrtle Beach is located along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, so there’s an array of beachfront options for lodging. It’s the perfect location for golf, water sports, boat tours, and other leisure activities. You can also enjoy boat tours and fishing trips with your family.

 9. McCormick Ranch Golf Club – Scottsdale, Arizona

Nestled right in the heart of Scottsdale, the McCormick Ranch Golf Club is the perfect golf destination for a truly memorable family vacation. When you visit the McCormick Ranch, you’ll find a fabulous oasis in the desert with lush greenery, breathtaking mountain views, and lakes.

The McCormick Ranch is an excellent option for your family golf vacation if you love the home-away-from-home feel rather than the expansive hotel experience.  Located near a lake, the resort offers many family-friendly activities, including boat tours and fishing trips. They offer junior golf lessons for kids ages 6-16.

Whether you play the 18-hole Palm Course or the Pine Course, you’ll have an exceptional golfing experience.

10. The Four Seasons Resort at Troon – Phoenix & Scottsdale, Arizona

Do you want to experience world-class golf and luxury in a perfect and picturesque desert setting? The Four Seasons Resort at Troon North is your go-to destination with spacious rooms, a pool, a water park, and other top-notch amenities.

The club offers programs for every family member, including women’s golf programs, private lessons for adults and juniors, TN junior Academy, junior camps, yoga for golfers, and more.