There are few things better than a golf trip with your buds. Getting out on the course and swinging the clubs, busting each other’s balls, placing some friendly wagers, having some cigars and flagging over the drink cart (unless you’re frugal like my dad and give the cart the Dikembe Mutombo finger-wag), and just enjoying being out with your friends.
While it’s nice to get out to your local course on the weekends or for business outings during the week, there are better courses out there that deserve an extended trip with your golf mates. Here’s a list of a few of the top destinations to scratch off your golf bucket list, in no particular order. Also, I’m trying to keep budget in mind on this list.
Best Group Golf Trips for Men
Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort
Palm Springs, California
This resort has two courses that are ranked in the “Best Courses You Can Play” list in Golf Week, so you can fill a whole weekend and not get bored with playing the same course. This course is open to the public and has great pricing, averaging around $200 per night per person for lodging on greens fees. That’s just a quick search online, so you may find an even better group rate by calling the resort directly. I highly recommend visiting this desert resort during the winter as opposed to the sweltering summer.
Barefoot Resort
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
You can get the most bang for your buck at a resort like this. There are four championship courses, designed by greats such as Greg Norman and Pete Dye, so you can play a lot of rounds and really explore all the challenges this resort has to offer. You can book a three night stay at this resort for under $450, making this is a great destination on a budget. When you’re not enjoying the other amenities the resort has to offer, there’s plenty to do in and around Myrtle.
Boyne Highlands
Harbor Springs, Michigan
I’ve taken you to the west coast and the east coast, so how about an option in the midwest? Did you know that there are more public golf courses in Michigan than any other state? You wouldn’t think it, considering it can only be played seasonally up there. This resort has amazing views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding forest, making for some beautiful tee shots.
There are 10 award-winning courses at Boyne and you can get a package for around $350 for a two-night stay. This includes lodging and four rounds of golf. While it’s a bit in the middle of nowhere and doesn’t have the nightlife like in the previous courses, there are shuttles to local attractions like the Odawa Casino. What’s a guy’s trip without a little gambling?
Sunriver Resort
Sunriver, Oregon
Let’s head up to the Pacific Northwest and check out some great tracks in Oregon at Sunriver Resort. There are four great courses nestled into the Williamette National Forest with amazing nature views. You’ll be out in the middle of nowhere, however, as getting to this resort is a three hour drive from either Eugene or Portland, but it’s a steal at just $79 per night per person. A great place to escape with your buddies and forget about life’s stresses for a little while.
Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Kiawah Island, SC
You can tell by the above photo that golf courses don’t get much beautiful than this. This oceanside track, one of five championship courses on site, is designed by the famed Pete Dye is described as one of the hardest courses in America, so you better bring your “A” game if you’re coming to golf here. Aside from the scenic and tough courses, the amenities here are second to none.
That should be a good start to your bucket list, and there are many more great golf destinations I haven’t had a chance to list yet. Check back for future updates and comment below if there’s a favorite trip of you’d like to see profiled!
Dave Schmidt
Dave Schmidt is an e-commerce entrepreneur specializing in business-to-consumer products, social media, affiliate marketing and SEO. He currently resides in Fort Lauderdale. When not working, Dave enjoys spending time with nephew and dogs, trying new beers, anything involving music, and soaking up the Florida sun in between trips home to his native Minnesota.
